ALKOXILATION PROCESSES – Comparison of Reactors

Both VLR (Venturi Loop Reactor) and STLR (Spray Tower Loop Reactor), by not having mechanical stirrers, are safer than mechanically agitated reactors. VLR and STLR can give similar maximum productivities in ethoxylation reactions, but STLR require a power input greater than that for VLR. However, the Venturi loop reactor has some drawbacks related to the rigid geometrical parameters that have to be satisfied as concerns the dimensions of the reactorthe liquid level, and the nozzle length. In the case of large reactors, the behavior of VLR can also become similar to that of STLR in terms of the power input required for liquid recirculation[1].

Reactors

STR and VLR Models

STLR Model