Void Fraction of Multi-Component Randomly Packed Beds with Size Distributions

Abstract

Experimental measurements and computer simulation are reported on the void fraction of multi-component randomly packed beds with log-normal, log-uniform, Rosin-Rammler or Andreasen (Gaudin-Schuhmann) size distributions. Packing experiments were done by two methods, i.e. rodding and tapping. Glass beads (spherical particles) and crushed glass (irregularly shaped particles) were used for these experiments. The following results were obtained from the experiments and the simulations. A minimum void fraction of a packed bed with Andreasen distribution exists in the range of Fuller constant q=0.5-0.8, and the void fractions of packed beds with the other three distributions decrease as the size distribution spreads. The experimental and the simulated results for void traction were compared with values calculated by our model and agreement between them was fairly good. This model is useful for estimating the void fraction in a multi-component randomly packed bed of spherical and irregularly shaped particles with size distribution. © 1985, The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan. All rights reserved.