Macro- and micromixing studies on a high frequency continuous tubular sonoreactor

The present work aims to develop a new continuous tubular sonoreactor with high frequency of 1.7 MHz. Influence of high frequency ultrasound in the range of MHz on micromixing efficiency of the sonoreactor was studied using Dushman reaction coupled with a neutralization reaction. The residence time distribution was investigated to describe the macromixing in the sonoreactor. Activation of piezoelectric transducers in the bottom position, inlet and outlet side of reactor was examined. A calorimetric study was done to know the energy efficiency and the acoustic power absorbed in the fluid bulk during ultrasound propagation. Flow rates and media viscosity were varied to characterize their effects on segregation index. The experimental results showed the segregation index decreased with decrease in volumetric flow rate and solution viscosity. The results revealed the new continuous sonoreactor had the energy yield of 63% with a micromixing time in the range of 0.001–0. 01 s.

► Using high frequency ultrasound waves in a continuous flow tubular sonoreactor.
► Showing the effects of ultrasound waves on micro- and macromixing efficiencies.
► Illustrating the effect of wave transducer positions on the segregation index.
► Showing the performance of this technique at various media viscosities.