Performance and simulation of ozone absorption and reactions in a stirred-tank reactor

This research investigates the mass transport of gaseous ozone accompanied by decomposition and ozonation reactions in the liquid phase. Absorption experiments were carried out under semibatch mode by continued injection of gaseous ozone into an agitated vessel containing an aqueous solution of 2,4- or 2,6-dichlorophenol at 25 degrees C. Under the influence of a fast reaction between the dissolved ozone and dichlorophenol, the mass transfer rate of ozone is enhanced greatly resulting in rapid destruction of the dichlorophenol. Simulations of the experimental results suggest that the complete mixing model can be applied to describe the fluid flow patterns in both the gas and liquid phases. The results of this study indicate that dichlorophenols can be removed effectively from aqueous solutions of pH near neutrality and that there is little additional advantage in carrying out the treatment process in alkaline solutions.