The ejector-driven monolith loop reactor - experiments and modeling

A novel catalytic gas-liquid reactor configuration, consisting of a monolithic reactor with a liquid-motive ejector as gas-liquid distributor is introduced as a retrofit or alternative to an agitated slurry reactor. The ejector distributes gas and liquid to the channels of a monolith reactor at velocities greater than those attainable with gravity-driven flow, intensifying mass transfer and reaction in a compact reactor. Pressure drops measured using this configuration do not conform to models from the literature. A strong effect of liquid coalescence properties was observed. Until fully predictive pressure drop and aas-liquid distribution models become available, successful scale-up will depend on pressure-drop data measured with industrial process conditions and fluids. Current literature models for mass transfer underpredict laboratory autoclave reaction results, indicating a need for further model development, and in the interim requiring pilot-scale testing for scale-up purposes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.