Energy Savings in Mechanically Agitated hydrolysis reactors

In a batch or fed batch lignocellulosic hydrolysis reactor, fluid properties change drastically as the reaction nears completion. Agitation equipment must be sized for the worst case condition. Although agitator power draw decreases with time and conversion even for a fixed-speed agitator design, a fixed speed agitator will provide more agitation than needed for the majority of the reaction time. Using variable speed to provide only as much agitation as needed can significantly reduce total energy used. This poster will compare agitator speed, power draw and total energy used for a fairly typical fed batch reactor design.