On the Thermal Explosion Theory of a Heterogeneous Liquid–Liquid System

Abstract

In this paper, the regularities of a thermal explosion of a heterogeneous system consisting of two immiscible liquids have been studied. Each phase is a solution of A and B reagents. Reagent B is extracted into a solution of reagent A, where the bimolecular exothermic reaction A + B → Products takes place. It has been shown that an exothermic reaction (combustion regime) continues to proceed in the system at high mass-exchange rates between phases after a thermal explosion. As a result, the maximal temperature may significantly exceed the temperature of the thermal explosion. The critical value of the Semenov parameter decreases with an increase in the mass-exchange rate between phases. In the limited range of values of the distribution coefficient of reagent B between phases, the increase of this coefficient is also accompanied by a decrease in the critical value of the Semenov parameter. The concentration of reagent B in the initial phase decreases monotonically due to its extraction into another phase. However, the equilibrium of the extraction of reagent B can shift, due to the temperature dependence of the distribution coefficient during the reaction. Thus, the time dependence of the concentration of reagent B on may be more complex and can pass through a minimum.