An investigation of liquid maldistribution in trickle beds

The influence of liquid maldistribution at the top of the packing on flow characteristics in packed beds of gas and liquid cocurrent downflow (trickle beds) is experimentally investigated. Particular attention is paid to the effect of gas and liquid flow rates on flow development. Tests are made in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering science 2002-09, Vol.57 (17), p.3543-3555
Main Authors: Tsochatzidis, N.A, Karabelas, A.J, Giakoumakis, D, Huff, G.A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Hydrodynamics
Liquid distribution
Pulsing flow
Reactors
Trickle bed
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Summary:The influence of liquid maldistribution at the top of the packing on flow characteristics in packed beds of gas and liquid cocurrent downflow (trickle beds) is experimentally investigated. Particular attention is paid to the effect of gas and liquid flow rates on flow development. Tests are made in the trickling and pulsing flow regimes. A uniform, a half-blocked and a quarter-blocked liquid distributor is tested. Packings of various sizes and shapes are employed. Data are presented on pressure drop and liquid holdup as well as trickling to pulsing flow transition. Diagnosis of radial and axial liquid distribution is made by means of conductance probes. The effects of liquid foaming, bed pre-wetting, top-bed material, and blockage midway the bed on liquid distribution are also examined. Overall, liquid waves in the pulsing flow regime have a beneficial effect, promoting uniform liquid distribution in the bed cross section.
ISSN:0009-2509
1873-4405
DOI:10.1016/S0009-2509(02)00251-8