PRODUCT ENGINEERING

Mixing in Chemical Reactors

Mixing is at the core of many industrial processes that require the contact of reactants for chemical reactions or the homogenization of solutions or emulsions. The research objectives of this area range from theoretical fundamental studies to the development of robust strategies for the scale-up of chemical reactors and the conception of new mixing technologies, using state-of-the-art modelling and simulation tools (CFD, process design software network modelling) and experimental measurement techniques (PLIF, PIV, BIV, LDA, micromixing test systems). The concept of 2D laminar mixing has been introduced, leading to the design of new reactors with significant advantages such as strict control of mixing scales and high throughputs. Two types of mixing technologies have been developed and studied: NETMIX, a novel patented static micro/meso-structured mixer and reactor, based on a network of chambers connected by channels, permitting efficient and reproducible control of a fluid mixture, particularly suited for the continuous production of nanomaterials; and CIJS, Confined Impinging Jets, mixers with high throughputs and robust operation for mixing of fluids with very dissimilar flow rates and viscosities.