No abstract

In sonochemical processes, the physical and chemical effects are attributed to the phenomenon of cavitation, which is the formation, growth, and collapse of the cavities termed as activity of cavities. Energy analysis of a single cavity has been considered in order to explain, qualitatively, the effects of acoustic parameters such as intensity and frequency of ultrasonic equipment on sonochemical reactions. The experimental observations of the sonochemical reactions available in the literature are found to be consistent with the simulation results. Energy analysis of the cavity gives the possible reasons for the various sonochemical effects observed, and also the optimum equipment operating parameters can be predicted.

In the present work hydrolysis of methyl benzoate was carried out using aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature in the presence of ultrasound since otherwise the same reaction takes place at relatively high temperature. Also, the above hydrolysis reaction was investigated at a relatively larger scale with the variation in parameters influencing the emulsification process and hence the reaction rates. It has been observed that the position of ultrasound source on the liquid-liquid interface is a crucial parameter affecting the two-phase emulsification rates. The poor bulk mixing occurring in the presence of ultrasound alone with an increase in the volume of the reaction mixture and its consequent effect on the reaction kinetics has been conclusively established. These studies have shown that the use of ultrasound with mechanical stirring can result in substantial reduction in the overall power consumption, especially for reaction systems like hydrolysis that do not require very high temperatures and pressures generated by cavitation.

No abstract