Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in an airlift membrane reactor

The aims of this project are: a) design of two airlift reactor types with incorporated membrane module, b) experimental investigation of the hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics of these reactors and c) development of empirical models. The so far known reactors coupled with membrane module consider only basic constructions, whether the module is submerged or allocated from the reactor vessel. Our research should result in development of two new membrane reactor types: a) draft tube airlift reactor with tubular membrane instead of conventional internal tube (Membrane Draft Tube Airlift Reactor, MDT ALR) and b) external loop airlift reactor with membrane module placed in the downcomer (Membrane External Loop Airlift Reactor, MEL ALR). Main hydrodynamic and mass transfer parameters will be determined: gas holdup, liquid phase velocity, circulation and mixing time, and volumetric mass transfer coefficient. Also, the influence of liquid phase properties, gas sparger type, reactor geometry, etc. will be investigated. As membrane reactors gain more attention in wastewater treatment, the research will be oriented towards the influence of liquid phase impurities on hydrodynamics and mass transfer in these contactors, but also on the membrane fouling and the flux reduction. Empirical models for prediction of hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics will be proposed and which should contribute to better understanding of the phenomena and could be used in reactor design.