A Simplified Model on Diffusion Flame Reactor for Preparation of Ultrafine TiO₂ Particles

We have proposed a simplified model equations for a diffusion flame reactor to prepare ultrafine TiO2 powders, based on the assumption of plug flow. The model equations such as mass balance of TiC14, the 0th, 1st, and 2nd moment balances of aerosol were solved by a numerical simulation. The particle characteristics such as the concentrations, sizes and standard deviation of TiO2 particles were theoretically investigated along the reactor length, varying the process conditions of flame temperatures, total gas flow rates and inlet reactant concentrations. It is found that the TiO2 particle concentration at the reactor exit becomes higher, as the total gas flow rate increases, and also as the flame temperature decreases. On the other hand, the TiO2 particle size increases, as the flame temperature and the inlet TiC14 concentration increase and as the total gas flow rate decreases.