Theory of cavitation and design aspects of cavitational reactors

Abstract

Cavitation is a phenomenon by which large magnitude of energy is dissipated locally due to the violent collapse of the cavities creating effects suitable for intensification of chemical and physical processing applications. The current chapter focuses on the basic aspects related to generation of cavitation in different reactors and explains the mechanistic details by which the cavitational effects bring about desired physicochemical transformations. Design aspects related to understanding of the cavitational activity distribution using experimental and theoretical investigations, optimization of equipment operating parameters such as frequency and intensity of ultrasonic irradiation, geometry of the reactor, liquid physicochemical properties and the operating temperature have been discussed. Some of the novel ways to intensify the cavitational activity using additives and combination with other techniques, with an objective of minimizing the cost of operation and maximizing the yields from processes, have also been highlighted. Overall, it appears that cavitational reactors show considerable promise for industrial applications in the area of chemical processing and combined efforts of scientists and engineers are required to successfully accomplish this intent. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.