Characterization of flow distribution in microchannel reactors

• Published in: AIChE journal Vol. 50; no. 2; pp. 418 - 425
• Main Authors: Pfeifer, P., Wenka, A., Schubert, K., Liauw, M. A., Emig, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.02.2004; Wiley Subscription Services; American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; constant temperature anemometry; Exact sciences and technology; flow distribution; Flow velocity; hot wire anemometry; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; layer thickness; methanol-steam reforming; microchannel reactor; microstructure reactor; nanoparticle washcoat; Reactors; Scanning electron microscopy; Correlation; Homogeneity; Microreactor; Wire; Anemometry; Flow field
• ISSN: 0001-1541; 1547-5905
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.10037

The applicability of thermal anemometry with constant wire temperature for characterization of the flow distribution in microchannel reactors was first proven by a comparison of simulation and experimental results using uncoated microchannels. The anemometry was then applied for structured reactor foils with different nanoparticle washcoats. Homogeneity of the coatings observed by scanning electron microscopy showed good correlation to the results of the anemometry. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 418–425, 2004