Design of tubular flow reactors for monodisperse aerosol production

Abstract

Design equations are derived for calculating the properties of an aerosol generated in a tubular flow reactor operated at a constant rate of formation of condensable monomer. These equations lead to a set of characteristic dimensionless groups. Independently, it is shown that nearly monodisperse aerosols can be generated by: (1) separating particle formation and growth processes, (2) operating with a narrow residence time distribution, and (3) minimizing monomer concentration gradients. These criteria can be used in solving the design equations over ranges of the dimensionless groups suitable for monodisperse aerosol production. In general, high rates of monomer formation are desirable, subject to the desired particle size and concentration, but an upper bound may result from coagulation. Copyright © 1988 American Institute of Chemical Engineers