Investigation of spatially patterned catalytic reactors
The theme of this work is to enhance the performance of a primary reaction system by introducing dual-functionality into a packed-bed reactor via a spatial pattern. This paper focuses on a generic system in which the primary reaction is equilibrium-limited and an auxiliary reaction is incorporated to act as a drain-off mechanism alleviating the equilibrium constraint. It is found that patterns in which the two catalysts are spatially layered (and maintained at different temperatures) or well-mixed (and operated at a common temperature) can both offer significant improvements over an unpatterned reactor. Operating the well-mixed pattern at high temperature is generally superior to switching between high- and low-temperature layers in the segmented configuration. The exception to this rule occurs when the mixed bed is punished for being hot as either the equilibrium ceiling on the primary reaction drops sharply or a competitive reaction dominates at high temperature. The extent to which the layered pattern’s improvements are compromised by axial heat dispersion between zones is examined in terms of a backflow mixing cell model.
Spatiotemporal patterns in catalytic reactors
The study of spatial structures in heterogeneous reactors is a challenging academic topic, revealing patterns that differ from those known to exist in reaction-diffusion systems exposed to uniform conditions, as well as a practical problem that should affect design and operation procedures of commercial reactors like the catalytic convertor. Experimental observations and mathematical models of spatiotemporal patterns in high-pressure catalytic reactors are reviewed. Patterns in high-pressure reactors, in which thermal effects provide the positive feedback, as well as the long-range communication, usually emerge due to global interaction. Patterns are classified comprehensively by considering reactors of increasing degree of complexity: a wire or ribbon exposed to uniform conditions, a globally coupled catalyst in a mixed reactor or in a control loop, and a fixed bed in which interaction by convection occurs only in one direction. Catalytic wires are not expected to exhibit sustained patterns in the absence of global interaction. Global interactions by external control or gas-phase coupling are shown experimentally and analytically to induce a rich plethora of patterns. Complex motions were simulated to occur due to the interaction of convection, conduction and reaction in a fixed-bed; only a few of these patterns were experimentally observed. Directions for future research are suggested
Community refinement of glaucoma referrals
AbstractAim To describe a Manchester-based glaucoma referral refinement scheme designed to reduce the number of false-positive referrals to the hospital eye service. To report on the first years results of this scheme and its financial costs to the NHS.Methods Patients with suspected glaucoma, instead of being referred to their GP and then on to the hospital eye service, were referred to a group of specially trained community optometrists working to an agreed set of referral criteria. Those patients who did not meet the referral criteria were returned to the referring optometrist, while those who met the referral criteria were referred directly to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The patient's GP was informed in all cases.Results The number of suspect glaucoma cases referred to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital was reduced by 40%. This figure is close to the percentage of false-positive referrals measured at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital prior to the onset of this study. The information accompanying referral has been improved and the scheme produces a small financial cost saving to the NHS of approximately £17 per patient.Conclusion Community refinement of suspect glaucoma offers some important benefits over the current referral pathway.