Numerical modeling of a microreactor for the synthesis of adipic acid via KA oil oxidation

This study investigated the performance of microreactor system in conducting the oxidation of KA oil with nitric acid through mathematical models. Experiments were also carried out via a self-designed microreactor system. Two one-dimensional (1D) pseudohomogeneous models and a two-dimensional (2D) reactor model were developed according to the mass balance and power law kinetics. The calculated results based on different models were compared with experimental data to evaluate the model reliability. The results showed that 1D axial dispersion model and 2D reactor model exhibited comparable accuracy in predicting the conversion of the intermediates, while 2D reactor model was more accurate in predicting the yield of products. With the 2D reactor model, the sensitivity study showed that temperature was the most sensitive parameter. Further studies on the effect of different factors were carried out via the developed model to shed lights on the design and operation of industrial-scale microreactors. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the performance of a microreactor system in conducting the oxidation of KA oil with nitric acid through mathematical models. Different models were compared based on their accuracy in predicting conversion rates and product yields, with the 2D reactor model proving to be the most accurate. Further research will help guide the design and operation of industrial-scale microreactors.