A MODEL FOR PULSING FLOW IN COCURRENT DOWN-FLOW TRICKLE-BED REACTORS

Based on macroscopic mass and momentum balances, a model is developed to characterize the hydrodynamic behavior of pulsing flow in cocurrent down-flow trickle-bed reactors. Predictions of the model regarding liquid saturation, length and velocity of both the liquid rich slug and gas rich pulse are reported. Also presented are experimental data of an air-water system for the effects of varying gas and liquid flow rates on pulse frequency, total pulse length and apparent slug velocity. To confirm the theory, predictions are compared with measured overall pressure gradient. Agreement is reasonably good.