ChE Tulsa University

 
           

Dr. Keith D. Wisecarver

Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering
EMail: keith-wisecarver@utulsa.edu 

Research Emphasis

  • Multiphase chemical reactors
  • Multiphase flows
  • Fluidization
  • Chemical and biochemical reactor design
  • Petroleum refining processes.

Research

Research conducted by Professor Wisecarver involves various aspects of reactor design and modeling. Areas of interest include hydrodynamics and transport phenomena in bubble columns and other multiphase reactors; applications of multiphase reactors to catalytic, noncatalytic, and biochemical reactions; modeling systems of chemical reactors and reaction systems; and multiphase flow problems.

Multiphase Reactor Studies

The studies look at hydrodynamics and transport phenomena in bubble columns and gas-liquid-solid fluidized beds. These reactors consist of a gas sparged into a column of liquid, which may or may not contain suspended particles. Bubble columns and gas-liquid-solid fluidized beds have many applications both for catalytic processing of hydrocarbons and for biochemical reactions. The flow behavior of such reactors is extremely complex. We are currently looking at number of aspects of multiphase reactor research, including analysis of pressure fluctuations using fractal techniques to identify flow regimes, measurement and correlation of mass transfer coefficients, phase distribution and mixing, and modeling of multiphase reactors. The goal is to develop a more fundamental knowledge of the flow and transport behavior of these reactors.

Reactor Modeling Studies

The studies examine methods of modeling complex reactors, such as those used in petroleum refinery operations, using process simulators. Current projects include modeling of catalytic reforming and fluid catalytic cracking.

Selected Publications
  • K. Wisecarver, "Solid Suspension in a Countercurrent Flow Bed," Advanced Powder Technology, 3, 23 (1992).
  • J.A. Salazar, K. Wisecarver, Y.T. Shah, and B. Solari, "Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer in Jet Bubble Column," Chemical Engineering Communications, 124 (1993): 177.
  • A Borole, B. Joshi, K. Wisecarver, and Y.T. Shah, "Phase Distribution and Mixing in a Jet Bubble Column," Chemical Engineering Communications, 126 (1994): 189.
  • A. Borole, B. Joshi, K. Wisecarver, and Y.T. Shah, "Hydrodynamics, Mixing and Mass Transfer in a Large Diameter Jet Bubble Column," Chemical Engineering Communications, 136, 95 (1995)
  • J.A. Salazar, A. Borole, B. Joshi, K. Wisecarver, Y.T. Shah, and J. Guitian, "Jet Wall Attachment in a Jet Bubble Column", Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 73, 676 (1995).

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