INTERFACIAL AREA OF DISPERSIONS OF SULFURIC-ACID AND HYDROCARBONS

Dispersions containing 10-85% H2SO4 and the remainder 2,2,4-trimethylp entane (2,2,4-TMP) were investigated in a well-agitated reactor mainly at 10 degrees C. 2,2,4-TMP degrades and isomerizes because of reactio ns that occur in the vicinity of the interface between the liquid phas es. The interfacial areas of these dispersions were calculated by comp aring the kinetics of these reactions in the dispersions with those in a cell (whose cross-sectional area equals the interfacial area betwee n the two phases). Some area measurements were also made for nonreacti ng dispersions in an image analysis system. The interfacial areas were highly dependent on the volume percent acid in the dispersions, acid composition, agitation rate, and temperature. For acid-continuous disp ersions, the maximum interfacial area occurred at about 75% acid by vo lume. To model the area data, the following physical properties were m easured: acid viscosity, acid density, and interfacial tension of acid -hydrocarbon interfaces. The model developed may be applicable to disp ersions in alkylation reactors. Methods of improving the operation and design of alkylation units are proposed.