Experimental Testing for Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles Production in a Rotating Packed Bed

Abstract

In this work a pilot plant with a rotating packed bed (RPB) reactor for nanoparticle production is demonstrated. The overall process is explained and the preliminary experimental outcomes are interpreted. The experiments are performed with slacked lime suspensions and CO₂ gas. Three crucial process parameters, namely rotating speed, slurry flow and gas flow rate, were studied for their impact on the process key performance indicators (KPIs) of reaction time (t_rxn), particle size ( ?? ) and capture efficiency (?CO₂). A factorial design with three factors and two levels was employed in order to attain a generalized view of the process behavioral trends. The reaction time was derived from pH measurements. Products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and particle size distribution measurement methods. Capture efficiency was estimated through gas flow rate measurements. The results indicated the successful production of nano-sized calcite particles with diameters down to 34 nm.