Guangji Zhang

Numerical Simulation of the Marangoni Effect with Interphase Mass Transfer Between Two Planar Liquid Layers

The Marangoni effect induced by mass transfer at the interface between two immiscible liquids displays important influence on laboratory and industrial operation of solvent extraction. A systematic numerical study of the two-dimensional Marangoni effect in a two liquid layer system was conducted. The linear relationship of the interfacial tension versus the solute concentration was incorporated into a mathematical model accounting for liquid flow and mass transfer in both phases. The typical cases analyzed by Sternling & Scriven (AIChE J., 1959) using the linear instability theory were simulated by the finite difference method and good agreement between the theory and the numerical simulation was observed. The simulation suggests that the Marangoni convection needs certain time to develop sufficiently in strength and scale to enhance the interphase mass transfer, the Marangoni effect is dynamic and transient, and remains at some stabilized level as long as the mass transfer driving force is kept constant. When certain level of shear is imposed at the interface as in most cases of practical significance, the Marangoni effect is suppressed slightly but progressively as the shear is increased gradually. The present two-dimensional simulation of the Marangoni effect provides some insight into the underlying mechanism and also the basis for further theoretical study of the three-dimensional Marangoni effect in the real world and in chemical engineering applications.

Mixing Characteristics and Bubble Behavior in an Airlift Internal Loop Reactor with Low Aspect Ratio

The present study summarizes the results of macro-and micro-mixing characteristics in an airlift internal loop reactor with low aspect ratio (H/D <= 5) using the electrolytic tracer response technique and the method of parallel competing reactions respectively. The micro-mixing has never been investigated in airlift loop reactors. The dual-tip electrical conductivity probe technique is used for measurement of local bubble behavior in the reactor. The effects of several operating parameters and geometric variables are investigated. It is found that the increase in superficial gas velocity corresponds to the increase in energy input, liquid circulation velocity and shear rate, decreasing the macro-mixing time and segregation index. Moreover, it is shown that top clearance and draft diameter affect flow resistance. However, the bubble redistribution with a screen mesh on the perforated plate distributor for macro-mixing is insignificant. The top region with a high energy dissipation rate is a suitable location for feeding reactants. The analysis of present experimental data provides a valuable insight into the interaction between gas and liquid phases for mixing and improves the understanding of intrinsic roles of hydrodynamics upon the reactor design and operating parameter selection.

Catalytic effect of Ag+ on arsenic bioleaching from orpiment (As2S3) in batch tests with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Sulfobacillus sibiricus

Orpiment is one of the major arsenic sulfide minerals which commonly occurs in the gold mine environment and the weathering of this mineral can lead to the contamination of arsenic. In this study, chemical leaching experiments using 10g/L Fe(3+) at 35°C and 50°C were carried out and the results show that orpiment can be leached by Fe(3+) and the leaching rate of orpiment was significantly enhanced in the presence of Ag(+). The bioleaching experiments with mesophilic bacteria Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and moderate thermophilic bacteria Sulfobacillus sibiricus were carried out, showing that these two strains can survive in the mineral pulp and oxidize Fe(2+) to regenerate Fe(3+). Based on above results, it is believed that the leaching action of the acidic mining drainage by some bacteria can lead to the release of arsenic from orpiment. Different performances of At. ferrooxidans and S. sibiricus in the tests suggest they follow two different mechanisms and this point of view is further confirmed based on analyses of the composition and morphology of the mineral residue by SEM and EDS.

Column experiments for immobilization of sulfate reducing babteria

In view of the difficulty in treating the bioleaching solutions, the selective precipitation of metals using H2S produced biologically by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) was put forward. In this paper, two anaerobic fixed bed bioreactors fabricated from Plexiglas was used to produce hydrogen sulfide by continuous operation, porcelain rings and synthetic sponge (polyurethane foam) were used as immobilization carrier for supporting the biofilm growth. The results showed that high removal rate of SO42− were achieved with both porcelain rings and synthetic sponge as immobilization carrier for continuous treatment. And in view of the stability of process and the removal rate of SO42−, synthetic sponge was better as the immobilized carrier in the experiments, the removal rate of SO42− with it reached 92%, and the process was easily operated.