Cavitational reactors for process intensification of chemical processing applications: A critical review

Cavitational reactors are a novel and promising form of multiphase reactors, based on the principle of release of large magnitude of energy due to the violent collapse of the cavities. An overview of this novel technology, in the specific area of process intensification of chemical processing applications, in terms of the basic mechanism and different areas of application has been presented initially. Recommendations for optimum operating parameters based on the theoretical analysis of cavitation phenomena as well as comparison with experimentally observed trends reported in the literature have been presented. A design of a pilot scale sonochemical reactor has been presented, which forms the basis for development of industrial scale reactors. Some experimental case studies using industrially important reactions have been presented, highlighting the degree of intensification achieved as compared to the conventional approaches. Guidelines for required further work for ensuring successful application of cavitational reactors at industrial scale operation have been presented. Overall it appears that considerable economic savings is possible by means of harnessing the spectacular effects of cavitation in chemical processing applications. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.