A New Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Internal Recirculation in Impinging Streams Reactors

A mathematical model for the prediction of internal recirculation of complex impinging stream reactors has been presented. The model constitutes of a repetition of a series of ideal plug flow reactors and CSTR reactors with recirculation. The simplicity of the repeating motif allows for the derivation of an algebraic relation of the whole system using the Laplace transform. An impinging streams reactor system with one axial and two tangential inlet fluid streams was constructed and considered as a case study. The model predicts satisfactorily the complex and flow rate dependent experimental residence time distribution functions obtained employing a pulse tracer method for different total flow rates of the incoming feed. The variation of the controlling parameters with changing the total inlet flow rate are discussed. The presented model can predict complex internal recirculation streams within the impinging streams reactor system.