Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research · 2001 · 27 citations · 5 references
EngineeringChemical EngineeringComputational Fluid DynamicsProcess Systems EngineeringReaction EngineeringCatalytic Reaction EngineeringCatalytic Reactor DesignGas-liquid FlowMultiphase ReactorsReactor DesignReactor ModelingCatalytic Multiphase ReactorsCatalytic Reactor ModelingFlow DistributionGamma-ray TomographyReaction Engineering Of Catalytic ReactorsReactor HydrodynamicsTrickle-bed ReactorsTwo-phase Flow Dynamics
The two-phase flow distribution inside catalytic reactors operating under trickle-flow conditions was qualitatively studied. Three techniques were developed and applied to optimize the two-phase flow distribution through the catalyst bed. First, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tool was used to assist in the design of the inlet gas liquid distributor. Second, the corresponding flow inside a catalyst bed, in terms of liquid flow rate and liquid retention, was measured with the two other experimental techniques: a collecting device and a gamma-ray tomography system. These three techniques complement one another; their combined use is of value in the design and testing of reactor inlet distributors.
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