Computer Controlled Airlift Reactor

Details

The Computer Controlled Airlift Reactor, "QRALC", designed by EDIBON, is an aerobic submerged reactor designed to determine the characteristic variables of the airlift reactor. It is made of transparent material so that the internal recirculation can be visualized. The airlift reactor comprises an outer column (the reactor column), a riser column and a gas-liquid separator. The riser column is placed concentrically inside the reactor column. The annular space between the riser and reactor columns forms the downcomer section of the reactor. The bottom of the reactor column is sealed with a membrane. There is a gas distributor to feed air or nitrogen to the reactor. Compressed air is fed into the reactor through the capillaries of the gas distributor, positioned at the center of the reactor, to generate air bubbles and recirculate the reactor contents. The superficial gas velocity in the reactor is adjusted and controlled using a valve and a flow sensor. The superficial liquid velocity is measured with several conductivity sensors situated at different levels of the reactor. Compressed air enters the reactor at the bottom and ascends in the riser column as small air bubbles. Th