Mixing time analysis of a sonochemical reactor.

Mixing time measurements have been carried out in a cylindrical reactor irradiated with an ultrasonic horn fitted with different size tips. Liquid phase bulk velocities induced by the vibrating horn surface have been estimated from the mixing time measurements. A relationship has been established between the mean horn surface velocities (frequency x amplitude) and the mean velocities estimated from the mixing time measurements. A correlation has been developed for the prediction of the mixing time using a method similar to that used for liquid jet mixing. This could be the first step in defining the overall flow field, the information about which can then be used to get realistic numerical solutions of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation for a travelling cavity to understand the cavity dynamics in the various parts of the ultrasonic horn reactor.