Influence of added packing on the volumetric efficiency in a Karr column

A correlation for drop size and slip velocity in reciprocating plate column

Abstract: Drop size distributions, mean drop diameter and slip velocity are experimentally studied in a reciprocating plate column The correlations for the above are presented in terms of plate geometry, flow rates of phases and physical properties of the system covering a wide range in experimental conditions

Optimization and kinetic modeling of waste lard methanolysis in a continuous reciprocating plate reactor

Abstract: Continuous biodiesel production from a waste pig-roasting lard, methanol and KOH was carried out in a reciprocating plate reactor (RPR) using a factorial design containing three process factors, namely methanol/lard molar ratio, catalyst loading, and normalized height of the reactor. The main goals were to optimize the influential process factors with respect to biodiesel purity using the response surface methodology and to model the kinetics of the transesterification reaction in order to describe the change of triacylglycerols (TAG) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) concentrations along the RPR height. The first-order rate law was proved for both the reaction and the mass transfer. The model of the changing reaction mechanism and mass transfer of TAG was also applicable. Both kinetic models agreed with the experimental concentrations of TAG and FAME determined along the RPR height.

Influence of plate geometry and added packing on dispersed phase holdup and slip velocity in reciprocating plate column

Abstract: A comprehensive study of the influence of plate geometry and the added packing on the holdup and slip velocity in reciprocating plate columns is presented. The use of packing in the interplate spaces of the column is of interest as packing alters the character of dispersion and also provides contact area for the phases.

Bubbles, Drops, and Particles

Abstract: The standard κ-ϵ equations and other turbulence models are evaluated with respect to their applicability in swirling, recirculating flows. The turbulence models are formulated on the basis of two separate viewpoints. The first perspective assumes that an isotropic eddy viscosity and the modified Boussinesq hypothesis adequately describe the stress distributions, and that the source of predictive error is a consequence of the modeled terms in the κ-ϵ equations. Both stabilizing and destabilizing Richardson number corrections are incorporated to investigate this line of reasoning. A second viewpoint proposes that the eddy viscosity approach is inherently inadequate and that a redistribution of the stress magnitudes is necessary. Investigation of higher-order closure is pursued on the level of an algebraic stress closure. Various turbulence model predictions are compared with experimental data from a variety of isothermal, confined studies. Supportive swirl comparisons are also performed for a laminar flow case, as well as reacting flow cases. Parallel predictions or contributions from other sources are also consulted where appropriate. Predictive accuracy was found to be a partial function of inlet boundary conditions and numerical diffusion. Despite prediction sensitivity to inlet conditions and numerics, the data comparisons delineate the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various modifications. Possible research avenues in the area of computational modeling of strongly swirling, recirculating flows are reviewed and discussed.

Performance of a reciprocating‐plate extraction column

Abstract: An open type of reciprocating-plate extraction column was developed, and it is proposed that the scaling up of such a column should be straightforward; that is, the height of an equivalent theoretical stage (H.E.T.S.) and the throughput per unit area should be independent of the diameter of the column. Plates having 5/8-in.–diameter holes and 62.8% free space were selected to minimize the resistance to countercurrent flow in the column. With this design low H.E.T.S. values were achieved at throughputs much higher than those reported for other columns. Thus for two systems the present column was shown to require the lowest volume of column to accomplish a given extraction job. Data were obtained in a 3-in.–diameter column on two systems, methyl isobutyl ketone-acetic acid-water and o-xylene-acetic acid-water. Throughputs studied on the first system ranged from 547 to 1,837 gal./hr./sq. ft., and the corresponding minimum H.E.T.S. values achieved were 4.3 and 7.5 in. respectively. For the second system minimum H.E.T.S. values of 7.7 and 9.1 in. were attained at throughputs of 424 and 804 gal./hr./sq. ft. respectively. Extraction column design procedures are discussed. The fabrication of the reciprocating-plate column is relatively simple, and this should encourage its use first in pilot-scale sizes and ultimately in large-scale columns.

Growth of fungi and bacteria in the reciprocating jet bioreactor

Abstract: In a comprehensive study the properties of the reciprocating-jet-bioreactor have been investigated. Fermentations have been carried out with two fungi and one bacterium. The fungi were Cyathus striatus for the production of antibiotics and Aspergillus niger for the production of citric acid. The bacterium Zymomonas mobilis was used in an anaerobic fermentation for the production of ethanol. The reciprocating-jet-bioreactor showed excellent properties as fermenter, especially when the biosuspension is highly viscous and non-Newtonian by nature.

Description and evaluation of reciprocating plate bioreactors

Abstract: The environment in which live microorganisms has a major impact on their productivity. One important factor is the mechanical mixing that is used to promote good heat and mass transfer in bioreactors. In this paper, the performance of reciprocating plate bioreactors is first evaluated for their ability to produce high oxygen transfer coefficients. Pure water and a glycerol water (50∶50 wt%) solution are used for this evaluation. Then, the performance of reciprocating plate bioreactors for the production of an exocellular polysaccharide (pullulan) by yeast Aureobasidium pullulans is analyzed in terms of quantity and quality of the polysaccharide. Results clearly show that a more efficient substrate utilisation is achieved with reciprocating plate bioreactors.