Liquid circulation hydrodynamics in an external loop airlift reactor

The radial profiles of axial liquid velocity and gas hold‐ups are investigated in the riser of a pilot plant scale external loop airlift reactor (ELAR) using a modified Pavlov tube and differential pressure technique. The experimental investigation reveals that there exist two different kinds of liquid circulation structures in an ELAR, which has rarely been reported in the literature, namely internal liquid circulation, which exists only in the riser and external liquid circulation, which circulates through the downcomer. A power–law relationship is used to correlate the gas hold‐up and superficial gas velocity, which gives good agreement with experimental data. Experiments for axial liquid velocity profiles are analysed in analogy to a model described for a conventional bubble column. The results predicted by the model are in excellent agreement with the experimental data obtained under various operating conditions. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

A preliminary study into the local solids fluxes in a downer reactor

A non-isokinetic sampling method was used to study the effects of gas velocity, solids circulation rate and axial and radial positions on the local solids flux in a gas–solids downer fluidized bed. The radial profiles of solids flux are highly dependent on the axial position. The local solids flux is also dependent on the overall solids circulation rate but not dependent on the gas velocity. The solids flux profiles in the downer were also found to be quite different from those reported in the riser.     

Hydrodynamics of a slurry airlift reactor at high solid concentrations

The hydrodynamics of a slurry airlift reactor at high solid concentrations were experimentally studied. The influences of the average solid concentration, superficial gas velocity and particle size on the radial and axial profiles of the solid holdup, average gas holdup and liquid circulation velocity were investigated. The local solid holdup was measured with an electrical conductivity probe. At low solid concentrations or high superficial gas velocities, the radial profile of the solid holdup was uniform. At high solid concentrations, the radial profile of the solid holdup was nonuniform, with higher values near the wall. This radial nonuniformity increased with decreased superficial gas velocity or increased average solid concentration. The axial profile of the cross-sectional average solid holdup was uniform at all conditions in this work, even at high solid concentrations. The average gas holdup and liquid circulation velocity increased with the superficial gas velocity but decreased with the average solid concentration. A mathematical model based on the balance of the transverse lift force and turbulent dispersion force was proposed to predict the radial profile of the solid holdup. Reasonable predictions were obtained from this model with an adjustable model parameter.     

Fluid-particle hydrodynamics in agitated vessels

A two dimensional model is proposed to predict mean radial and axial velocities for turbulently agitated fluids in baffled tanks with a turbine impeller. A particle dynamics model that simulates the movement of dipsersed phase particles in turbulent dispersion by a statistical Monte Carlo technique is coupled with this fluid dynamics model. The comparison of the flow directions, radial and axial velocity profiles, and the volumetric discharge capacities of the turbine impeller with the experimental data is favorable.     

Analysis and extension of the theory of multicomponent fluid diffusion

Recently we have presented an extended theory for molecular mass transport (Kerkhof and Geboers, 2005). We have indicated the possibility, and the need, to define a new framework for studying and teaching the theory of multicomponent molecular transport in fluids (Kerkhof and Geboers, 2004). Here a new, structured, overview of the subject is presented. An analysis is given of complicated issues in textbooks and review papers.     

易沉降悬浮液流变性测试时流体循环的理论分析

易沉降悬浮液流变性测试中必须考虑固相颗粒的沉降问题,而解决这一问题的有效途径是实现被测流体的循环。通过对流变仪转子壁面上受力状况的分析证明:流体在内外筒的环形间隙循环时,应尽量使由于循环而引起的流体运动速度只存在轴向分量并且在整个环形截面上均匀分布,如此则可保证旋转流变仪对易沉降悬浮液流变参数的准确测定。但考虑到实际操作的方便,本文推导了简单循环方式下即循环流体只进入环形截面的部分区域,且存在切向、径向、轴向的速度分量时流变参数测定的相对误差表达式,证明其与流体性质及转子角速度无关,此结果证明了流体循环方法在理论上的正确性,并已为此前的实验所证实。     

湍动流化床过渡段固含率分布特征的实验及数值模拟

在湍动流化床中,过渡段对于包括甲醇制烯烃在内的气固催化快反应有着重要的作用。采用PV6D反射型光纤探针对内径95 mm的湍动流化床内过渡段的固含率分布和脉动参数进行了测量,分别考察了表观气速和静床高的影响,并采用修正的基于颗粒动力学的三段曳力双流体模型进行模拟。实验表明,湍动流化床过渡段中固含率的轴向分布呈现S型和指数型两种类型,固含率轴向与径向分布都在过渡段内出现最大梯度,表明过渡段中固体浓度分布比稀相段和密相段更不均匀。表观气速和静床高的变化将导致S型和指数型分布的相互转变,并且对过渡段底部与壁面附近的固体高浓度区影响最为显著。局部固含率脉动概率密度分布表明,在静床高较小时,随着气速的增大,床层下部气含率最大值位置将从中心区移动至环隙区,呈现气含率的双峰型分布。本文提出的修正三段曳力模型考虑了颗粒团聚的影响,对过渡段中分布板影响区之外的固含率分布均能较好地模拟。     

Mathematical Modeling of Coke Formation and Deposition due to Thermal Cracking of Petroleum Fluids

A two‐dimensional mathematical dynamics model is presented to predict coke formation due to thermal cracking inside the tubes of fired heaters on two types of petroleum fluid. The laminar and turbulent flows are analyzed for both petroleum fluids. The second‐order k‐? standard model is adopted to make this mathematical model more accurate than previous models of coke formation. The radial and axial variations for temperature, velocity, and concentration due to the high temperature gradients inside the tubes are considered in the model equations. The finite volume method is the numerical model used to discretize the conservation equations. The proposed model is suitable to predict coke formation inside heater tubes since it indicates operational conditions where coke formation is minimized.     

基于均龄理论高效计算萃取塔轴向混合分布

在验证了CFD单相流场模拟的基础上,采用均龄理论计算了中试转盘塔内的轴向混合分布,并将计算结果和理论平均停留时间以及组分输运模型计算值进行对比。结果表明:均龄理论能准确预测转盘塔内的轴向混合信息,且其计算时间只需数十秒,远小于传统组分输运模型所需的两周时间,具有低计算量的特点;同时均龄理论克服了传统组分输运模型无法模拟轴向混合空间分布的缺陷,为萃取塔内部结构优化提供了更多信息,是一种高效的模拟方法。后续均龄理论模拟结果的分析预示着转盘塔内的流动近似呈现出级内全混、级间平推的特点,符合萃取操作的需求;而相对于转盘间良好的混合作用,静环间存在明显的流动死区,造成一定的非理想性,其结构有待于进一步的优化。     

带有新型内外组合桨的搅拌设备内流场的数值研究

以滑移网格法的基本思想为出发点提出了滑移周期的概念.利用滑移网格法计算了以一定转速比反向旋转的新型内外组合桨搅拌的流场.通过对双层斜叶平桨、标准锚式桨和新型内外组合桨产生的流场进行对比,研究了搅拌设备内的宏观流动场、时均速度、速度变化率、剪切速率和轴向循环能力.结果表明：滑移周期概念的提出在一定程度上解决了滑移网格法计算周期长、计算成本高的问题.采用新型内外组合桨,加强了径向流动和轴向流动,改善了搅拌设备近壁区的流动状况,且对假塑性流体流动状况的改善优于牛顿流体.新型内外组合桨的剪切水平和轴向循环能力均优于双层斜叶平桨.     

Mixing of viscoelastic fluids with helical-ribbon agitators. I — Mixing time and flow patterns

Batch mixing of viscous fluids with helical-ribbon agitators in 2.4 liter and 13 liter vessels has been studied for agitator speeds up to 200 RPM. Seven different agitators of different dimensions were employed in this work. Mixing times were measured using a decoloration technique and circulation times were determined by the tracer bead method. In addition, velocity profiles were obtained from streak photographs using selective illumination of the vessel and PVC powder as tracer particles. It was found that the mixing times of Newtonian fluids, which agreed with previously published data, were considerably (3 to 7 times) shorter than those of the viscoelastic fluids. The mixing time was strongly affected by the fluids' elasticity; increasing as the fluid elasticity increased. The velocity profiles were qualitatively similar for all the fluids but showed decreased axial circulation and increased circumferential flow as fluid elasticity increased. However, mixing is not only a function of the axial circulation (impeller pumping rate) but also is a function of the perturbations superimposed on the main flow. A simple, first approximation model based on the impeller geometry and flow patterns is proposed to correlate the circulation capacity and mixing time data for the various geometries studied.     

STEADY AND NON-STEADY STATE MODELING OF TUBULAR FIXED BED REACTORS

In this work a detailed non-steady state two dimensional heterogeneous model for a non-isothermal, non-adiabatic packed bed tubular reactor is discussed. The model has the following features: i) axial and radial heat and mass dispersion, ii) heat transfer balance for the cooling fluid, iii) comprehensive treatment of the convective term, iv) spatially-dependent physical parameters, v) radial porosity and velocity profiles. Results are given, for both steady and non-steady state situations, in the context of an industrial unit for phthalic anhydride production. Co-current flow of reactive and cooling mediums is assumed.     

循环流化床中颗粒团聚物性质的PDPA测量

提出了一种利用相位多普勒粒子分析仪（PDPA）来测量气固循环流化床中颗粒团聚物性质的方法,并运用此方法初步考察了操作条件对循环流化床稀相区中颗粒团聚物性质的影响.在本实验操作条件下,颗粒团聚物的时间分率、频率、内部空隙率以及轴向速度等性质都存在轴径向的不均匀分布,具有较明显的环核特征;固体循环速率对颗粒团聚物性质径向分布影响不大,表观气速的变化可引起其轴向分布规律发生显著改变,但其径向的环核特性仍然存在.     

Model validation for low and high superficial gas velocity bubble column flows

In the present work, gas-liquid flow dynamics in a bubble column are simulated with CFDLib using an Eulerian-Eulerian ensemble-averaging method in a two-dimensional Cartesian system. The two-phase flow simulations are compared to experimental measurements of a rectangular bubble column performed by Mudde et al. [1997. Role of coherent structures on Reynolds stresses in a 2-D bubble column. A.I.Ch.E. Journal 43, 913-926] and a cylindrical bubble column performed by Rampure et al. [2003. Modeling of gas-liquid/gas-liquid-solid flows in bubble columns: experiments and CFD simulations. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering 81, 692-706] for low and high superficial gas velocities, respectively. The objectives are to obtain grid-independent numerical solutions using CFDLib to reconcile unphysical results observed using FLUENT with increasing grid resolutions [Law, D., Battaglia, F., Heindel, T.J., 2006. Numerical simulations of gas-liquid flow dynamics in bubble columns. In: Proceedings of the ASME Fluids Engineering Division, IMECE2006-13544, Chicago, IL], and to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental data to demonstrate the use of numerical simulations as a viable design tool for gas-liquid bubble column flows. Numerical predictions are presented for the local time-averaged liquid velocity and gas fraction at various axial heights as a function of horizontal or radial position. The effects of grid resolution, bubble pressure (BP) model, and drag coefficient models on the numerical predictions are examined. The BP model is hypothesized to account for bubble stability, thus providing physical solutions.     

喷嘴进料对催化裂化提升管流动行为的影响

This paper studies the influence of feed injection on the hydrodynamic behavior of fluid catalytic cracking riser reactors. Experiments were conducted in a cold model of 186mm ID with two oppositely inclined secondary air feed nozzles. The flow structure was determined by means of the axial static pressure measurements and local radial optic fiber probe measurements on different levels with emphasis on the sections downstream of the secondary injection. The measurements reveal that the secondary injection plays a crucial role on riser hydrodynamics. Just above the secondary injection, the flow and mixing are strongly affected, while below the secondary injection the effect is weak. The radial profile just downstream of secondary injection demonstrates wavy features. The effective region of secondary injection could be estimated by the axial pressure gradient profiles and/or the radial orofiles of local solids velocity and density.     

HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL FOR THE IMPELLER REGION IN AN AERATED AND STIRRED TANK

The radial and axial distribution of mean 1iquid velocity were measured by a.hot-filmanemometer at the impeller region in an aerated and stirred tank 0.287m in diameter.The tangentialjet model for impeller discharge flow used for single phase flow was modified to conform with thecharacteristics of gas-liquid flow.The radial and axial velocity profiles at the impeller region in thegas-liquid stirred tank were calculated by the model The results predicted by the model were in goodagreement with those obtained in experiment.     

HYDRODYNAMICS, MIXING AND MASS TRANSFER IN A LARGE DIAMETER JET BUBBLE COLUMN

Experimental measurements for the axial and radial variations in gas holdup, axial and radial dispersion coefficients, volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient and liquid phase circulation velocity in a cone of a large diameter (122 cm) jet bubble column are presented. Two diameters of the inlet nozzle, namely 10.16 cm and 15.24 cm, three superficial gas velocities (based on cylinder diameter), 3 cm/sec, 6 cm/sec and 8 cm/sec and two superficial liquid velocities, 0.3 cm/sec and 0.6 cm/sec, are examined. The experimental data are obtained for two different bed heights.

The experimental data showed significant axial and radial variations in the gas holdup. The volumetric average gas holdup was higher at higher gas velocity and larger nozzle diameter and somewhat higher at lower liquid velocity. The axial dispersion was high while the radial dispersion was low. The volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient was larger at higher gas velocity and larger nozzle diameter. The liquid recirculation begins only at the upper end of the cone. In general, experimental data indicate that a jet bubble column provides a high degree of mixing and transport rates.     

PSEUDO TWO-DIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR A PNEUMATIC DRYER

ABSTRACT

Pneumatic drying of chemical products has been frequently used in chemical industries. The increase in the use of this unit operation requires the knowledge of the dynamic of the gas-solid flow in tubes. The mathematical models of vertical pneumatic conveying found in the literature mostly consider the flow steady and one dimensional. However, experimental evidences suggest that radial profiles of the basic variables of the flow exist. In this work a model is proposed for vertical pneumatic conveying considering axial and radial profiles for gas and solids velocities, porosity and pressure. The conservation equations for energy and mass of water were written to extend the model to a pneumatic dryer. The equations of the model were solved using finite difference method and the results show the axial and radial variations of gas and solid temperatures, gas humidity and particle moisture content in the dryer.     

PSEUDO TWO-DIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR A PNEUMATIC DRYER

Pneumatic drying of chemical products has been frequently used in chemical industries. The increase in the use of this unit operation requires the knowledge of the dynamic of the gas-solid flow in tubes. The mathematical models of vertical pneumatic conveying found in the literature mostly consider the flow steady and one dimensional. However, experimental evidences suggest that radial profiles of the basic variables of the flow exist. In this work a model is proposed for vertical pneumatic conveying considering axial and radial profiles for gas and solids velocities, porosity and pressure. The conservation equations for energy and mass of water were written to extend the model to a pneumatic dryer. The equations of the model were solved using finite difference method and the results show the axial and radial variations of gas and solid temperatures, gas humidity and particle moisture content in the dryer.     

Annular wall layer thickness in circulating fluidized bed risers

The thickness of downward-flowing annular wall layers in circulating fluidized bed risers has been determined in the literature based on measured radial profiles of both local particle velocity and solids flux. The thickness of the wall layer is shown to be larger based on solids flux profiles than when based on particle velocity profiles, because fluctuations in local instantaneous particle velocity are correlated with fluctuations in local solids concentration. A new correlation is developed to predict the time-average thickness of the downflowing particle streamer layer based on solids flux measurements as a function of the cross-sectional average voidage. It successfully accounts for the variation of the wall layer thickness with axial location and solids circulation rate.