Liquid back-mixing in packed-bubble column reactors: a state-of-the-art correlation

The extent of liquid back-mixing in gas–liquid concurrent upflow packed-bubble column reactors is quantified in terms of an axial dispersion coefficient or its corresponding dimensionless Péclet number. Effects of reactor operating conditions on the axial dispersion coefficient are not properly accounted for by the available literature correlations, wherein most often the Péclet number is expressed solely in terms of the gas and liquid Reynolds numbers or superficial velocities. Based on the broadest experimental databank (1322 measurements, 11 liquids, four gases, 28 packing materials, 14 columns diameters, Newtonian, non-Newtonian, aqueous, organic, coalescing and non-coalescing liquids, high pressure, bubble and pulsing flow regime conditions), a state-of-the-art liquid axial dispersion coefficient correlation is obtained by combining neural network modeling and dimensional analysis. Thorough qualitative and quantitative analyses of the constructed databank demonstrate the robustness of the proposed correlation to restore the variety of trend variations of liquid Péclet numbers reported in the literature.     

Dispersion of powders in liquids in a stirred vessel

The dispersion of powders in liquids can be divided into four steps: wetting, submersing, dispersing and dissolving (if soluble). While the subject of dispersing and suspending particles in liquids in mechanically agitated vessels has been investigated by several authors, the immersion step has remained largely uninvestigated. However, in many cases, the wettability of the powder is of decisive importance for the process of making a dispersion. Experiments in a baffled stirred vessel are presented and compared with results of different laboratory wetting tests to illustrate the importance of wettability for the dispersion process. Further experiments in an unbaffled vessel were conducted to investigate the influence of vortex formation on the powder immersion step.     

Free coating of non-newtonian liquids onto a vertical surface

The coating of non-Newtonian liquids onto a vertical surface continuously withdrawn from the liquid bath is considered. An analytic treatment is presented for purely viscous non-Newtonial liquids using the Ellis and generalised Bingham models both of which may be reduced to a new theory for power-law fluids. The theories give a relationship between the dimensionless film thickness, T₁, and the Capillary number, C₁, as a function of the fluid physical properties and the parameters of the viscous model. The dimensionless groups have been generalised to allow for non-Newtonian behaviour. The power-law and Ellis model predictions are compared with previous theoretical studies and shown to be consistent with known limits. Experimental data are also presented for a wide range of non-Newtonian fluids and compared with the new theories.     

Prediction of gas hold‐up in a bubble column filled with pure and binary liquids

A dimensionless correlation for gas hold‐up in a bubble column filled with pure liquids and binary mixtures has been developed. The criteria of bubble coalescence in pure liquids and foamability of binary mixtures have been included successfully in the proposed correlation. For the first time, comprehensive data of gas hold‐up with respect to concentration in four binary systems are presented. The often‐reported enhancement of gas hold‐up in aqueous alcohol mixtures has been observed experimentally. The proposed correlation is able to predict successfully the trend of gas hold‐up enhancement with respect to concentration. The estimated values are found to be within 7% of the measured values.     

Intensification of hydrodesulphurization process with a structured bed spiral mini-reactor

The procedure followed for the study of the characteristics of the intensification of catalytic hydrodesulphurization process with a structured bed spiral reactor is presented in the current work. This procedure consists of two parallel experimental methods investigating the mechanisms involved in the operation of the reactors. The first method aims at the study of the process mechanisms with mock up experiments at ambient conditions using systems with inorganic or organic liquids, water or heptane, and oxygen or nitrogen as gas phase. The second one focuses on the mechanisms at reaction conditions using simple model reactions, like benzene hydrogenation. The studied mechanisms with the methods followed are the fluid dynamic characteristics of the operation of spiral reactor, flow regime, axial dispersion and mass transfer limitations. The mass transfer limitations were also studied with desulphurization experiments taking into account the impact of the inhibitors hydrogen sulphide and ammonia on the desulphurization reaction.     

Analysis of solvation in ionic liquids using a new linear solvation energy relationship

A new linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) equation, where the solute internal energy term has been incorporated into the traditional LSER equation, is used for the analysis of solvation in ionic liquids. Modeling results obtained using the new LSER equation indicate that all solute parameters (dispersion, polarity, hydrogen bonding, cavity formation, and solute internal energy) have approximately equal importance in the solvation of organic solutes in ionic liquids. The magnitude of dispersion interaction is stronger in ionic liquids than in aqueous solution, whereas hydrogen‐bonding interactions are stronger in water than in ionic liquids. This indicates that the solubility of polar compounds that contain bulky and aromatic groups can be enhanced in ionic liquids due to higher dispersion interactions in ionic liquids than in aqueous solution. On the other hand, the LSER equation without the solute internal energy term does not yield the meaningful solute–solvent interaction terms, indicating that the inclusion of a solute internal energy term is necessary to properly describe the solvation of organic solutes in liquid solvents. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of DEM results and Lagrangian experimental data for the flow and mixing of granules in a rotating drum

This work assesses the accuracy of the discrete element method (DEM) for the simulation of solids mixing using non‐intrusive Lagrangian radioactive particle tracking data, and explains why it may provide physically sound results even when non‐real particle properties are used. The simulation results concern the size segregation of polydisperse granules in a rotating drum operated in rolling mode. Given that the DEM is sensitive to simulation parameters, the granule properties were measured experimentally or extracted from the literature. Several flow phenomena are investigated numerically and experimentally, including the particle residence time, the radial segregation, and the radial variation of the axial dispersion coefficient. An analysis of the DEM model is then presented, with an emphasis on the Young's modulus and friction coefficients. Finally, dimensionless motion equations and corresponding dimensionless numbers are derived to investigate the effect of simulation parameters on particle dynamics. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 60–75, 2014     

Gas—liquid dispersion and mixing characteristics and heat transfer in a stirred vessel

Properties of gas—liquid dispersion and mixing of seven types of impellers were studied and compared in a stirred vessel with aeration. New correlations for the properties including critical dispersion impeller speed, dispersion regime, power consumption, gas hold-up, discharge flow number and discharge efficiency have been developed. The fluid/wall heat transfer was also studied with several types of dual impeller combinations. There is a critical impeller speed which determines how aeration changes the heat transfer coefficient. Operating conditions influence heat transfer interactively by three factors, which can be expressed by proper dimensionless variables.     

Roll coating of purely viscous liquids

Experimental measurements are reported for the flow of Newtonian liquids through the nip of two co- and counter-rotating rolls of various size and speed ratios. Results are presented in a dimensionless form for the total volumetric flux through the nip and for the distribution of this flux between the two rolls. Simple correlations have been developed and these should be useful in the design and analysis of roll coating equipment.Some preliminary data are also presented for a shear thinning inelastic non-Newtonian liquid. The forms of the correlating equations developed for the Newtonian systems are still applicable but the constants in the equations are slightly modified.     

规整填料塔液相混合的研究

本文采用点源脉冲示踪的方法考察了装填２５０ Ｙ 型金属板波纹规整填料的填料塔中的轴向及径向返混。在规整填料塔的顶部注入 Ｋ Ｍｎ Ｏ４ 作为示踪剂,从塔的底部的不同径向位置取样。通过最优化方法计算出轴向返混系数 Ｄｚ 和径向返混系数 Ｄｒ,研究了液相和气相对规整填料的返混的影响,并就液相和气相对返混影响做了初步解释。实验结果表明：径向扩散系数和轴向扩散系数随气速和液体流速的增大而增大。得到轴向和径向混合系数的彼克列数（ Ｐｅｚ , Ｐｅｒ） 与液相和气相的表观雷诺数（ Ｒｅ１ , Ｒｅｇ） 的关联式。     

Flow patterns in the wake of a Taylor bubble rising through vertical columns of stagnant and flowing Newtonian liquids: An experimental study

The flow in the wake and near-wake regions of individual Taylor bubbles rising through stagnant and co-current vertical columns of Newtonian liquids was studied, employing simultaneously particle image velocimetry (PIV) and pulsed shadowgraphy techniques (PST). Experiments were made with water and aqueous glycerol solutions covering a wide range of viscosities , in an acrylic column of 32 mm ID.Different wake structures (laminar, transitional and turbulent) are identified, in both stagnant and co-current flow conditions. In stagnant liquids, the wake flow pattern is only dependent on the dimensionless group N_f. The different types of wakes obtained are in accordance with the critical N_f numbers proposed in previous works. For co-current flow conditions, the flow patterns in the wake depend on the Reynolds number based on the relative (to the bubble) average velocity of the upward liquid flow, the laminar-transitional and transitional-turbulent limits being for the first time experimentally determined.The wake flow patterns are quantified by means of instantaneous and average flow fields. Values for the wake length and wake volume are also presented and compare well with correlations found in literature. Study of the flow in the near-wake zone enabled determination of the distance needed to recover the undisturbed liquid velocity profile.The detailed study of the flow in the wake and near-wake regions is an important contribution to better understanding the interaction and coalescence mechanisms between Taylor bubbles.The data reported are relevant to the validation of numerical simulation codes in the vertical slug flow regime.     

螺带型搅拌槽内异物性液体的混合性能

针对高固含量木质纤维素同步糖化与发酵生产燃料乙醇过程,研究了螺带型搅拌槽内层流流动条件下少量低粘低密度液体(a)加入大量高粘高密度主体液体(b)中的混合性能,考察了转速、两种液体体积比(Va/Vb)、粘度比(mb/ma)、密度差等影响因素. 结果表明,当Va/Vb>1%时,异物性物系混合时间远高于相同物性液体混合时间,可延长2~5倍;Va/Vb对混合时间影响最显著,Va/Vb=0.2%~3.7%范围内,无量纲混合时间Ntm随体积比增大先降低后升高存在一最小值;当Va/Vb≥2%,单位主体液体密度之差Dr/rb>0.2时,Ntm随着Va/Vb, Dr/rb增加线性增大;Ntm随着mb/ma增大而减小;加入相加在主体液体内所得混合时间比加在液体表面时短;Va/Vb>2%时,混合工况可分为Re数控制区(桨叶控制)及Ri数控制区(重力控制).     

Prediction of liquid film mass transfer coefficients in packed columns using liquid holdup

A unique characteristic linear dimension (d), defined as the cube root of the specific liquid holdup (h_sp) in the packed column, was used to correlate successfully the liquid film mass transfer coefficient k_La for gas absorption-desorption for sparingly soluble gases in liquids below loading. To produce this simple, dimensionless correlation, k_La data reported in literature were used, covering a wide range of physical properties of liquids, packings and operating conditions. This new approach showed operating holdup as an important factor in gas liquid mass transfer.     

Improving the dispersion kinetics of a cocoa powder by size enlargement

The efficient dispersion of powders in liquids is required in many fields. For this reason, it is useful to understand the mechanisms of dispersion and the physical properties of powders which influence the dispersion rate. Here, we have chosen to work with a low-fat cocoa powder commonly used in the food industry. Firstly, we have determined the physical properties of the powder (densities, cohesion, flowability, size and surface energy) and then measured the dispersion times of cocoa in water using a novel optical method. Further experiments, using the same technique, are performed using larger grains obtained by granulating cocoa powder. It is found that the dispersion times are shorter for the granules and much shorter than the dispersion time for ungranulated powder. The dispersion times for granules increase with the size of granules.     

Bildung und Koaleszenz von Blasen und Tropfen

Formation and coalescence of bubbles and droplets. Generation and coalescence of bubbles and droplets are essential requirements for technical reactions and exchange processes. The paper deals with the dispersion of gases and liquids with the aid of single orifices and of sieve plates in liquids of various viscosities under gravity and centrifugal conditions and furthermore with the mechanical foam separation and with the coalescence of drops on inclined plates. The paper summarizes results from the literature as well as from the Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 153 at the Technical University of Munich.     

Polymer miscibility in mixed organic liquids having acid-base interaction—a modified two-dimensional approach

A mixture of two organic liquids, each of which is a solvent for a given polymer, may become a nonsolvent mixture, if there is strong acid-base interaction between the two solvents. Experimental results of such cases are presented for five polymers. These results are then correlated with the proposed modified form of the two-dimensional approach. In the modification, an additional term for taking into account the acid-base interaction is added to the expression for the hydrogen-bonding solubility parameter of the liquid mixture; the dispersion forces and polar interactions are assumed to be undisturbed by the occurrence of the acid-base interaction.     

Dimensional Analysis of Particle and Liquid Dispersion in Draining Foam

A dimensionless correlation for the axial dispersion of particles and liquid tracer in draining foam has been developed that expresses the dimensionless dispersion as a function of Peclet and Stokes numbers. The correlation is fitted to the data of Lee et al., Coll. and Surf. A. 263 , 320‐329 (2005). The value of the axial dispersion coefficient is independent of the self‐dispersivity. It is seen that Saffman, J. Fluid. Mech. 6 , 321‐349 (1959) model for the dispersion coefficient in solid porous media only provides order of magnitude prediction of the axial dispersion coefficient but it can inform about the dominant mechanisms of dispersion.     

Numerical Investigations of Fluid Flow and Lateral Fluid Dispersion in Bounded Granular Beds in a Cylindrical Coordinates System

Results are presented from a numerical study examining the flow of a viscous, incompressible fluid through a random packing of non‐overlapping spheres at moderate Reynolds numbers, spanning a wide range of flow conditions for porous media. By using a laminar model including inertial terms and assuming rough walls, numerical solutions of the Navier‐Stokes equations in three‐dimensional porous packed beds resulted in dimensionless pressure drops in excellent agreement with those reported in a previous study. This observation suggests that no transition to turbulence could occur in the range of the Reynolds number studied. For flows in the Forchheimer regime, numerical results are presented of the lateral dispersivity of solute continuously injected into a three‐dimensional bounded granular bed at moderate Peclet numbers. In addition to numerical calculations, to describe the concentration profile of solute, an approximate solution for the mass transport equation in a bounded granular bed in a cylindrical coordinates system is proposed. Lateral fluid dispersion coefficients are then calculated by fitting the concentration profiles obtained from numerical and analytical methods. Comparing the present numerical results with data available in the literature, no evidence has been found to support the speculations by others for a transition from laminar to turbulent regimes in porous media at a critical Reynolds number.