Definition of the flow dynamics by numerical analysis in a filterpress reactor

In this work, a commercial computational fluid dynamics code (CFD), Fluent, was used to analyze the design of a filterpress reactor working under laminar flow ( 300 < Re < 2000 ) and transition ( 2000 < Re < 3000 ) regimes. The reactor is a rectangular channel ( 0.1 m length × 0.05 m width × 0.01 m depth) made of acrylic. Several velocity flow profiles have been obtained as a function of the channel length and width. For the laminar and transition flow regimes, Re number was evaluated as a function of channel length and width. At the center of the channel, Re number was evaluated as a function of its length. It was found that Re number is quasi-constant after short distances from the entrance, indicating a developed flow. A three-dimensional reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrode (60 pores per inch, 0.05 m × 0.05 m × 0.01 m ) was fitted at the center of the channel and was found that experimental mass transfer coefficient ( k Fe ( CN ) 6 3 - ) , obtained from different flow velocities, obeys the empirical correlation k m A e = av b (where k m is the mass transfer coefficient, v is the flow velocity, A e is the specific surface area of the electrode, a and b are constants) under the flow regime studied. Other velocities and geometries are discussed in the work.