Swirl reactor

A continuous flow reactor comprising:

• an inlet;
• a swirl generator, downstream of, and in fluid communication with, the inlet;
• and,
• a mixing vessel comprising,
• (i) a lower cylindrical part in direct fluid communication with the outlet of the swirl generator;
• (ii) an upper cylindrical part of diameter larger than the diameter of the lower cylindrical part;
• (iii) a tapered part located between the lower cylindrical part and the upper cylindrical part, wherein the wall of the tapered part forms an angle α, measured inside the mixing vessel, with the wall of the upper cylindrical part superior to 90 degrees and inferior to 180 degrees;
• and,
• (iv) an outlet located on the upper base of the upper cylindrical part and outside of the central part of said upper base, wherein said central part is a circle, concentric with the upper base, and with a radius of 25% of the radius of the upper base, and
• wherein a swirl number that the swirl generator is adapted to provide, and the dimensions of the mixing vessel, are adapted to generate a Coanda flow of liquid, along the wall of the tapered part and the wall of the upper cylindrical part, when liquid is flowing through the reactor.