Increasing contact surface in multi-phase systems - by electric discharges, useful in chemical reactions and heat-transfer processes

摘要

Method comprises mixing a first phase in a second phase and subjecting the second phase to a transitory electric discharge communicated through a liq. in acoustic communication with the second phase. The discharge produces shock waves in the second phase which disperse the first phase. The first phas may be a gas or a liq. The discharge may be induced in the second phase itself, it is a liq. not affected by the discharge. If a separate liq. is used, it is sepd. from the second phase by a membrane of suitable acoustic properties. The discharge stage consists of repeated electric discharges in a continuous series. The operation may be continuous, the two phases being fed to and taken out of the receiver. The flow may be controlled in response to a preselected parameter of the discharge. An appts. for carrying out the process incorporates a vessel fitted with means of dispersing the second phase in the first phase, and with electrodes. The electrodes are connected to a circuit capable of producing a transitory potential difference with an amplitude sufficient to induce a discharge between them and having means of detecting a parameter and controlling the flow of liq. and the electrode spacing. Used in industrial processes such as chemical reactions or heat transfer, where surface contact must be as large as possible to achieve the max. rate of reaction or transfer. The discharge brings about intense disruption of the liq. in the electrode region and a mass of strongly ionised conducting gas is formed. The rapid expansion of this gas leads to high press. shock waves through the mass of liq. breaking up bubbles of gas into smaller bubbles and increasing the total surface.