MASS BALANCES FOR IDEAL GAS-LIQUID REACTORS

Mathematical models for different kinds of gas-liquid reactors are based on the mass balances of components in the gas and liquid phases. The flow pattern in a tank reactor is usually close to complete backmixing. In the case of packed and plate columns, it is often a good approximation to assume the existence of a plug flow. In bubble columns, the gas phase flows in a plug flow, whereas the axial dispersion model is the most realistic one for the liquid phase. For a bubble column, the ideal flow patterns set the limit for the reactor capacity for typical reaction kinetics. 

FIGURE 7.15 Venturi scrubbers. (Data from Trambouze, R, van Landeghem, H., and Wauquier, J.P., Chemical Reactors—Design/Engineering, Editions Technip, Paris, 1988.) 

The flux of component i from the gas bulk to the gas film is denoted as whereas the flux from the liquid film to the liquid bulk is denoted as Ny. Qualitatively, the fluxes are given with respect to the interfacial contact area (A) according to a very simple relation  

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