Process Intensification: Rotating Packed Bed Technology

This lecture discusses process intensification through the use of rotating packed bed (RPB) technology, focusing on its design, operation, and applications. The instructor explains the construction of two-stage counter-current rotating packed bed contactors, detailing the arrangement of rotors and stationary disks that enhance mass transfer. The lecture covers the principles of continuous distillation using RPB, emphasizing the importance of packing materials and their role in increasing liquid-gas interactions. Key performance metrics such as mass transfer rates, residence time distribution, and segregation index are introduced, highlighting their significance in characterizing RPB systems. The instructor also explores various applications of RPB technology, including precipitation processes for nanoparticles and industrial uses like seawater de-aeration and HOCI production. The advantages of RPB over traditional methods, such as reduced equipment size and improved efficiency, are discussed, along with the potential for energy savings and environmental benefits. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of how RPB technology contributes to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.