Cavitation reactors: Efficiency assessment using a model reaction

Acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation can be used for a variety, of applicat ions ranging from biological applications such as cell disruption to chemic al reactions such as oxidation of organic pollutants in aqueous effluents, including biorefractory toxic chemicals. Different equipment used for cavit ational effects was compared based on a model reaction (decomposition of po tassium iodide resulting into iodine liberation). A correlation was develop ed for the prediction of the cavitational yield in terms of the cavity, col lapse pressure. This correlation, when used with earlier correlations for t he pressure amplitude generated during the violent collapse of cavities, wi ll help design engineers to choose particular equipment, operating conditio ns, and geometric parameters to achieve a desired chemical change. The deve loped equation relating the macroscopic reaction rates with the collapse pr essure is the first of its kind reported in the literature. Pilot-plant-sca le hydrodynamic cavitation orifice plate setup is most energy-efficient, wi th significantly higher cavitational yields for the model reaction.