Continuous Reaction Calorimetry for Intensified Reaction Systems

Micro reaction technology and reaction calorimetry combine for a powerful product and process development tool. Real-time measurement of thermokinetic data for highly exothermic reactions can be carried out and runaway scenarios can be studied under safe process conditions. Moreover, the intensified reactions as well as reduced chemicals consumption contribute to the Green Chemistry principle; simultaneously, decreasing lead times for innovation processes.
In this thesis, a reaction calorimeter is developed for the application of plate-type microreactors. The flexibility and adaptability of the calorimeter are demonstrated with the application of multiple microreactors, tailored polymer microreactors and commercial glass microreactors, featuring different microchannel geometries. Neutralization reactions are employed as test reaction and the highly exothermic oxidation of sodium thiosulfate is characterized.
Regarding two-phase gas-liquid applications in the developed reaction calorimeter, micronozzle-induced bubble breakup is investigated for intensified mass transfer; thus, counteracting prevailing surface force at microscale. Several bubble breakup regimes are identified and characterized. The energy efficiency of the bubble breakup process is investigated and an optimized nozzle design is proposed. Mass transfer studies are conducted demonstrating enhanced mass transfer for micronozzle-induced bubble breakup and; thus, superiority over straight microchannels.