Study of interfacial kinetics for liquid-liquid systems-I. The liquid jet recycle reactor

The liquid jet recycle reactor is proposed as a means of studying interfacial reactions in liquid-liquid systems. A preliminary study is presented which verifies the operation of the jet using well characterized systems. The LJRR features cocurrent flow of the jet and the outer organic fluid. The outer fluid is continuously recycled and its concentration monitored. A technique is developed to remove the stagnant layer which accumulates on the interface at the base of the jet. The extent of mass transfer in this region can be quantified. The aqueous phase diffusivities of toluene and benzene have been calculated from the rate of mass transfer between the jet and an outer fluid of cyclohexane. Diffusivity values agree with published values within 10%. The successful prediction of liquid diffusivities indicates that the technique will be a useful and accurate method of obtaining interfacial kinetics.