Reactor model for fast reactions in the micro-bubble column and validation

A simple reactor model for predicting conversions in a micro-bubble column is described. It assumes fast reactions so that the gaseous component is readily consumed at the gas-liquid interface. Then, gas-liquid mass transfer becomes determining. As input parameters for the model, the hydrodynamics, specific interfacial area, and mass transport need to be described. Two fast model reactions, the catalytic oxidation of butyraldehyde and the absorption of CO₂ in aqueous NaOH, show the applicability of the model but also its limits. The model was used for predicting reaction performance in dependence of operating conditions, in particular to get maximum conversion with the antagonistic parameters interfacial area and residence time. The latter cannot be controlled independently when using the reactor engineering principle reported here, but both are triggered by changing the flow rate. The model was then applied to predict reaction performance of the direct fluorination of toluene.