Optimal design for flow uniformity in microchannel reactors

• Published in: AIChE journal Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 345 - 358
• Main Authors: Commenge, J. M., Falk, L., Corriou, J. P., Matlosz, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.02.2002; Wiley Subscription Services; American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Reactors; Approximation; Computational fluid dynamics; Geometrical parameter; Uniform field; Theoretical study; Hydrodynamics; Finite volume method; Velocity distribution; Flow field; Modeling; Optimization; Optimal design; Pressure drop; Hydrodynamic model; Numerical simulation; Microreactor
• ISSN: 0001-1541; 1547-5905
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.690480218

Velocity and residence time distributions play a crucial role in the performance of microreactors for chemical synthesis. The specific features of fluid flow through multiplate microchannel reactors are examined by an approximate pressure drop model whose validity is confirmed through comparison with more detailed finite‐volume calculations. The model results allow for determination of the influence of the geometrical characteristics of the microchannel structures on the flow distributions and are used to optimize the reactor design for maximum flow uniformity.