Method of intimate contacting/separating of plural phases and phase

Abstract

Intimate contacting of plural, physically disparate phases is achieved by establishing a current of axially extending, axially symmetrical helical flow of a first phase; separately establishing a current of coaxially extending, rectilinear flow of a physically disparate second phase, the currents of said first and said second phases being maintained physically separated from each other; circulating and directing said currents which comprise the plural phases to a zone of restricted flow passage with respect to said helical flow, whereby said plural currents converge and are intimately, homogeneously admixed and whereat such zone of convergence the momentum of the first phase helical flow is at least 100 times greater than the momentum of the second phase, coaxial rectilinear flow such as to effect atomization via transfer of momentum, and ultimately effecting phase separation of the product of admixture. Cooling means provided at or contiguous the zone of convergence ensure that atomized particles impinging on the wall members comprising said cooling means are liquefied to form a continuous liquid film thereon, thus effecting the continuous wetting and washing of said wall members and preventing deposition thereon of any encrusting solids.