The influence of inlet structural parameter on the particles residence time distribution and mixing performance in a gas solid counter flow contact cyclone reactor for MTP

A novel gas solid counter flow contact cyclone reactor (GS‐CFCCR), aimed at enhancing reactant mixing, has been proposed for the methanol‐to‐propylene process in this paper. The gas–solid mixing reaction is accelerated by the impinging flow generated through the collision of mixtures within the inlet tubes on both sides, and the separation of products is enhanced by the strong swirling flows induced by the guide vanes. An investigation was conducted on the residence time distribution (RTD), mean residence time (MRT), and flow field characteristics in the mixing chamber under three distinct inlet structural parameters, namely the particle incidence angle ( α = 30°–150°), the effective length of accelerating tube ( L = 120–160 mm), and the insertion depth of feed tube ( l = 0–20 mm). The results indicate that the axial RTD curve follows a normal unimodal distribution. The interfacial contact area between the fluid phases reaches its maximum at the cross section of z = 30 mm. At α = 90°, homogeneous mixing is achieved with maximal mixing intensity observed across axial cross‐sections. Shallower l prevents flow separation induced by feed tube intrusion, thereby mitigating localized turbulence. L = 160 mm represents an equilibrium between stability and efficiency. Backmixing predominantly occurs along sidewalls proximal to the feed ports. It has been demonstrated through research that the GS‐CFCCR exhibits a commendable mixing efficiency with utilizing inlet parameters of α = 90°, l = 0 mm, and L = 160 mm.