Experimental investigation of gas-liquid distribution in monolith reactors

The present work investigates the influence of gas and liquid flow rates on inlet liquid distribution across monoliths operating in gas-liquid cocurrent downflow mode. Gas and liquid superficial velocities range from 0 to 68 and 1.4 to 8.5 cm/s, respectively. Gas-liquid distribution was studied using a packed bed liquid distributor and a pipe distributor for the aforementioned range of operating conditions. To determine the liquid distribution over the monolith, gravimetric, time-averaged liquid collection method was applied using a customized collector apparatus. Quantification of the distribution is reported using a suitably defined maldistribution factor. For each liquid velocity, gas velocities are varied and corresponding maldistribution factors are calculated. The results are reported in view of the varying operating conditions.