Mixing time analysis of a sonochemical reactor

Mixing time measurements have been carried out in a cylindrical reactor irr adiated with an ultrasonic horn fitted with different size tips. Liquid pha se bulk velocities induced by the vibrating horn surface have been estimate d from the mixing time measurements. A relationship has been established be tween the mean horn surface velocities (frequency x amplitude) and the mean velocities estimated from the mixing time measurements. A correlation has been developed for the prediction of the mixing rime using a method similar to that used for liquid jet mixing. This could be the first step in defini ng the overall flow field, the information about which can then be used to get realistic numerical solutions of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation for a tr avelling cavity to understand the cavity dynamics in the various parts of t he ultrasonic horn reactor. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.