The aim of this numerical research is to explore the flow field and mixing in present and absence of solids using different operational conditions (flow rate, frequency, amplitude, viscosity, solid loading, etc.) and reactor designs (by changing the parameters that define the meso-OFR geometry). It is expected with these studies to determine the variable, or variables, that affect more the reactor efficiency and to find solutions based on reactor design. Numerical studies of solid dissolution and crystallization process in the OFR are also explored. 

 

The research plan is divided in four numerical tasks: i) Explore flow field and mixing without solids; ii) Explore flow field and mixing with solids; iii) Numerical studies of the dissolution process; iv) Numerical studies of the crystallization process.

 

In order to validate the numeric simulations, the best reactor designs have been tested experimentally using the techniques Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and spectrophotometry . This process enable to understand the effects of operational conditions on both axial and radial dispersion, and overall residence time distribution allowing the performance study of the meso-reactors found numerically.

 

The numerical tool developed in this research is also used for numerical simulation of gas/liquid and gas/liquid/solid process.