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Scale up heat transfer based on reaction calorimetry

Journal Article · · Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States)
OSTI ID:7092649

Chemical reactions are often accompanied by significant heat release, and must therefore be thoroughly understood if they are to be managed successfully on a plant scale. The relatively large heat losses from laboratory-scale apparatus make it difficult (or impossible) to quantify the rate of heat release associated with the chemistry being carried out. The advent of computer-controlled, laboratory-scale calorimeters has provided a useful tool for measuring heat flows accurately (to about 0.1 W/L) with a high degree of reproducibility. Combining the calorimetric data with kinetic analysis allows the engineers to construct predictive heat flow models that are applicable to vessels of any volume. This article demonstrates the power of calorimetry as it relates to process design and scale-up of batch and semibatch processes. It outlines the required methodology of such an analysis, including experimental considerations, development of heat flow models, and subsequent simulations of large-scale plant vessels, ultimately leading to achievable and safe operating conditions.

OSTI ID:
7092649
Journal Information:
Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States), Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States) Vol. 90:11; ISSN 0360-7275; ISSN CEPRA8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English