Magnetic resonance imaging and flow visualization techniques are increasingly used to study transport processes in chemical and biochemical reactors. Three recent case studies from our own research program ate reported, each illustrating quite different applications of magnetic resonance techniques in such applications. First, two-phase flow in a trickle-bed reactor is considered. Images of the steady-state gas-liquid distribution are obtained which yield quantitative measures of liquid holdup and wetting efficiency. Second, a radiofrequency pulse sequence based on that for rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement is used to perform ultrafast visualization of gas-liquid flow in individual channels within a ceramic monolith. Finally, ~H volume-selective nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is employed to perform an in situ spatially resolved study of the extent of conversion of the liquid-phase esterification reaction of methanol and acetic acid, catalyzed by ah acid catalyst (Amberlyst 15 ion exchange resin) in a fixed-bed reactor. In particular, the effect of the superficial flow rate of the feed on conversion is investigated.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.