EFFECT OF BUBBLE SIZE ON THE SELECTIVITY OF CONSECUTIVE GAS-LIQUID REACTIONS

Abstract

The effect of bubble size on the selectivity of consecutive gas-liquid reaction is studied by means of the chlorination of p-cresol. The reactors used are a bubble column and a stirred vessel with various types of gas distributors. It is found that under the conditions studied stirring speed has no effect on the yield of the intermediate product, and that "large bubbles" gives higher yield, while "small bubbles" give lower yield. The experimental results are satisfactorily explained by relating the liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient to bubble size and relating the yield of the intermediate product to the liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient.