Intensifying Multiphase Reactions and Reactors: Strategies and Examples

Abstract

This paper reviews strategies for intensifying multiphase reactions and reactors, with practical examples drawn from gas–liquid, gas–solid, and three-phase systems. Intensification is framed around the enhancement of transport phenomena—mass transfer, heat transfer, and mixing—through geometric, hydrodynamic, and operational modifications. Strategies discussed include structured internals, spinning disc reactors, oscillatory baffled reactors, and acoustic enhancement. For each strategy, the underlying physical mechanisms are explained and representative industrially relevant examples are provided to illustrate achievable improvements in productivity, selectivity, and energy efficiency. The paper aims to provide a systematic framework for identifying and implementing intensification opportunities in multiphase reactor engineering.

@article{utikar2017asce,
  title         = {Intensifying Multiphase Reactions and Reactors: Strategies and Examples},
  author        = {Utikar, Ranjeet P. and Ranade, Vivek V.},
  year          = 2017,
  month         = may,
  journal       = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry \& Engineering},
  publisher     = {American Chemical Society},
  volume        = 5,
  number        = 5,
  pages         = {3607--3622},
  doi           = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b03017},
  url           = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b03017}
}