Dynamic mixing characteristics of a soft elastic tubular reactor (SETR): Experimental investigation and numerical simulation

In an innovative effort to mitigate material damage and enhance overall mixing performance, the use of a soft elastic tubular reactor (SETR) was explored. In this study, the mixing of tracer in SETR was observed with the help of non-invasive method. The effect of different parameters such as pusher squeezing frequency (F), distance between pushers (D) and pusher squeezing mode (M) on the flow field inside the SETR was also analyzed with the help of numerical simulations. The study also further optimized the operating parameters of the reactor. The experimental results proved the accuracy of the subsequent simulation model. Through the combination of response surface design and numerical simulation methods, it was found that all three factors have a significant effect on the mixing time. The results of this work add to our understanding of the mixing mechanism within SETR and present new opportunities for designing highly efficient industrial reactors.