RESIDENCE TIME DISTRIBUTION IN 3-PHASE MONOLITH REACTOR

The residence time distribution of the liquid phase within a three-pha se monolith reactor is determined using tracer studies. The actual liq uid residence time in the monolith, relevant for reactor design purpos es, is calculated from overall residence time measurements using decon volution by Fourier transform. The liquid-phase residence time decreas es as liquid or gas flow rates increase, but the reactor Peclet number remains approximately constant. The residence time distribution and c alculated values of the Peclet number reveal that the liquid phase is substantially well-mixed. Comparison with results from experiments in a single glass capillary reveals that the monolith channels become pre dominantly liquid-filled particularly as the liquid flow rate becomes a significant fraction of the total flow rate.