Pressure Drop in a Countercurrent Gas−Flowing Solids−Packed Bed Contactor

Abstract

The equations for prediction of pressure drop in countercurrent gas-flowing solids-packed bed contactors are proposed. The correlations are based on all available data for various constructions, packing elements, and gas and flowing solids properties. The equations give good predictions and are given separately for preloading and loading zones, together with the correlation for the determination of the loading point.

Solids Holdup and Pressure Drop in Gas−Flowing Solids−Fixed Bed Contactors

“…Moreover, the approach used was such that data on the system of interest were always needed to complete the correlation (i.e., one had to have data to predict them! ). , In our earlier study, we analyzed all the available pressure drop data and have developed correlations that fit all the data reasonably well, for both a preloading and loading regime. However, that, as well as other correlations, lacked a fundamental basis.…”

“…The fluid dynamics of such systems received considerable attention over the years, [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] and this included heat-and mass-transfer studies. 8,[15][16][17] The interest in exploiting the unique features of the countercurrent gas-fine solids systems was enhanced by the studies of Westerterp and colleagues, 18,19 who proposed the use of fine solids as a regenerative adsorbent flowing through the bed of catalyst for methanol synthesis.…”

“…Countercurrent flow of gas and fine solids through packed beds was patented as an idea in 1948, and the first recorded industrial use occurred in 1965 (Compagnie de Saint Gobain) in heat-transfer applications. The fluid dynamics of such systems received considerable attention over the years, − and this included heat- and mass-transfer studies. ,− The interest in exploiting the unique features of the countercurrent gas−fine solids systems was enhanced by the studies of Westerterp and colleagues, , who proposed the use of fine solids as a regenerative adsorbent flowing through the bed of catalyst for methanol synthesis. Additional reactor-oriented studies included catalytic oxidation of hydrogensulfide and regenerative desulfurization of flue gases. , …”

Solids Residence Time Distribution in Gas-Flowing Solids-Fixed Bed Contactors

“…These differences in properties were reflected in the values of dynamic and static holdup, which are in agreement with previous investigations. [3][4][5][6][9][10][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][23][24][25][26] Accordingly, the differences found for the exchange rate, for the dead zone, and, finally, in the RTD curves were expected. The dependence of dynamic holdup on the properties of flowing solids and the operating conditions was reported earlier as both an empirical correlation 21 and a fundamentally based model.…”

“…The first industrial realization for heat recovery occurred in 1965 (Compagnie de Saint Gobain) − low pressure drop, high heat and mass transfer rates, and low axial mixing in both phases. The first studies of the countercurrent flow of gas and fine solids particles inside the packed bed were carried out by Kaveckii and Plankovskii. , In later studies, researchers paid considerable attention to the fluid dynamics of such systems 3-28 as well as to their heat and mass transfer rates. − ,− Westerterp and colleagues 36-39 proposed the use of fine solids as a regenerative adsorbent, which flows through the bed of catalyst in the case of methanol synthesis.…”