Reactor design, development

Hatcher, S. R. The Chemical Engineer s Role in Nuclear Power Reactor Design, Development and Operation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Report, AECL-3911, 1971, p. 41. 

The possibility of the tie rods vibrating in the complex flow pattern has been the subject of considerable analysis and study as the reactor design developed. This study and analysis divided naturally into two parts, one which considered the hydrodynamic aspects of possible tie rod oscillations and one which determined the vibration deflections and stresses of the tie rods under the influence of the possible exciting forces. The following paragraphs describe the results of these analyses and studies. 

Scott, K. (1993). Industrial electrochemical synthesis processes recent developments in reactor design. Developments in Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processing, 1, 71—117. 

The MSR FUJI is a simplified molten salt reactor of 200 MW(e) intended to operate in a closed -Th fuel cycle. The operation cycle length is more than 30 years however, periodical fissile-fertile feeding from an internal reservoir is necessary. The design of MSR FUJI is based on previous molten salt reactor designs developed or operated in the molten salt reactor programme at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA) between 1950 and 1976. Many results of the R D performed under that programme are therefore directly relevant to the development of the MSR- FUJI. 

Similar or relevant SMRs BREST-300 and 1200, SVBR-75/100 and other Pb and Pb-Bi cooled reactor designs developed worldwide -... 

The concept of PEACER [XXIV-1], a fast lead-bismuth cooled reactor for electricity generation and waste transmutation, was proposed in 1998. The present research includes innovative reactor design development for the transmutation of spent nuclear fuel, the development of three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality technology and the demonstration of Pb-Bi coolant technology. 

Based on the conceptual design of a liquid metal cooled reactor developed in 1998, the present research encompasses innovative transmutation reactor design development for spent nuclear fuel disposal, the development of 3D virtual reality technology, and Pb-Bi coolant technology demonstration. 

Reactor Design Development Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,... 

Recent advances in Eischer-Tropsch technology at Sasol include the demonstration of the slurry-bed Eischer-Tropsch process and the new generation Sasol Advanced Synthol (SAS) Reactor, which is a classical fluidized-bed reactor design. The slurry-bed reactor is considered a superior alternative to the Arge tubular fixed-bed reactor. Commercial implementation of a slurry-bed design requires development of efficient catalyst separation techniques. Sasol has developed proprietary technology that provides satisfactory separation of wax and soHd catalyst, and a commercial-scale reactor is being commissioned in the first half of 1993. 

Wet Oxidation Reactor Design. Several types of reactor designs have been employed for wet oxidation processes. Zimpro, the largest manufacturer of wet oxidation systems, typically uses a tower reactor system. The reactor is a bubble tower where air is introduced at the bottom to achieve plug flow with controlled back-mixing. Residence time is typically under one hour. A horizontal, stirred tank reactor system, known as the Wetox process, was initially developed by Barber-Cohnan, and is also offered by Zimpro. 

Wetox uses a single-reactor vessel that is baffled to simulate multiple stages. The design allows for higher destmction efficiency at lower power input and reduced temperature. Its commercial use has been limited to one faciHty in Canada for treatment of a complex industrial waste stream. Kenox Corp. (North York, Ontario, Canada) has developed a wet oxidation reactor design (28). The system operates at 4.1—4.7 MPa (600 to 680 psi) with air, using a static mixer to achieve good dispersion of Hquid and air bubbles. 

The U.S. Department of Energy has funded a research program to develop the Hquid-phase methanol process (LPMEOH) (33). This process utilizes a catalyst such as copper—zinc oxide suspended in a hydrocarbon oil. The Hquid phase is used as a heat-transfer medium and allows the reaction to be conducted at higher conversions than conventional reactor designs. In addition, the use of the LPMEOH process allows the use of a coal-derived, CO-rich synthesis gas. Typical reactor conditions for this process are 3.5—6.3 MPa (35—60 atm) and 473—563 K (see Methanol). 

From diese various estimates, die total batch cycle time t(, is used in batch reactor design to determine die productivity of die reactor. Batch reactors are used in operations dial are small and when multiproducts are required. Pilot plant trials for sales samples in a new market development are carried out in batch reactors. Use of batch reactors can be seen in pharmaceutical, fine chemicals, biochemical, and dye industries. This is because multi-product, changeable demand often requues a single unit to be used in various production campaigns. However, batch reactors are seldom employed on an industrial scale for gas phase reactions. This is due to die limited quantity produced, aldiough batch reactors can be readily employed for kinetic studies of gas phase reactions. Figure 5-4 illustrates die performance equations for batch reactors. 

Analyze the existing reactor or design Develop alternative versions Evaluate and test the new alternatives... 

A number of the above features are included to reduce flocculation and the formation of wall polymer. While fundamental knowledge on flocculation or the formation of wall polymer is inadequate to establish the effects of all reactor design variables, the features of the Bayer reactor seem qualitatively correct. More fundamental work will be necessary to develop an understanding of the influence of design on reactor performance and product quality. 

To do this we developed a computer model to predict the kinetic conditions during the runaway stage. The kinetic model is used to estimate the reaction rates, temperatures, pressures, viscosities, conversions, and other variables which influence reactor design. 

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