Hydrodynamics of highly concentrated suspensions in a jet-agitated loop reactor

Abstract In order to handle suspensions stirred vessels or fluidized beds are normally used. A jet-agitated loop reactor may be advantageous for producing solutions or for handling a two-phase reaction. In these cases, the rising solid content of suspensions will increase the effectiveness. Experiments were carried out in a jet-agitated loop reactor ( D = 300 mm, H = 1500 mm) with mixtures consisting of quartz/water and of quartz/glycerine-water. The hydrodynamic data concerned were determined in relation to energy input and volumetric solid content in the loop (ϕ v ). There were no handling problems up to ϕ v, max ≅ 0.4. In further experiments carried out in a pilot jet-agitated loop reactor ( D = 500 mm, H = 2500 mm) scale-up problems did occur. Additional measures are indispensable to avoid silt.