Intensify Process by Efficient Micromixing

Intensify Process by efficient micromixing

 

Kathrin D. Rodermund¹,  Marcus Grünewald¹, Frank Schael²,
Maria Krusche², Bharat Marwaha^3*

1. Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Chair of Fluid Process Engineering, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801 Bochum, Germany

2. Ehrfeld Mikrotechnik BTS GmbH, Mikroforum Ring 1, D-55234 Wendelsheim, Germany

3. Bayer Technology Services Americas, Baytown, TX

*Speaker

Micro process technology enables new pathways for the development of economical, innovative and intensified processes in the chemical industry.  Modular Microreaction technology provides clear advantages over conventional process technology through a.) short mixing time, b.) high heat transfer rates, c.) inherent safety of small hold-up, d.) precise control of reaction time and e.) faster scale-up/time-to-market.

The intensified mixing offered by microchannel devices can aid process intensification for those applications where fast reactions are  limited by slow mixing time. The resulting process intensification leads to a safer and sustainable process with higher yield, higher selectivity. Quantification of mixing quality can guide selection and feasibility of optimal mixing structure for a particular application.

Results of the development of experimental methods for determination of mixing times of micro mixers will be presented. The aim of our research is to develop objective assessment criteria that are independent of the used characterization method. In the current work,  the Villermaux-Dushman method is employed to quantify the efficiency of a micromixer . Results show that the peripherals have a significant effect on the mixing process and thus its effects have to be considered in the case of scale-up.

The presentation will also showcase a variety of micromixers, show concept of scale-up and share examples of their applications.