Flow Distribution in Packed Beds

Abstract

T h i s work was undertaken because recent heat transfer results and preliminary data on\rvelocity had suggested that, contrary to common supposition, the velocity across the diameter\rof a packed bed might not be uniform. Data obtained in pipe sizes from 2 to\r4 inches showed that a peak velocity occurred approximately one pellet diameter away from\rthe pipe wall. For Dl/Dp less than 30 this peak velocity ranged from 30 to 100% greater\rthan the velocity at the center of the tube. The results indicate that unless Dt/Dp is greater\rthan about 30, important velocity variations exist across a packed bed. Such variations\rmay be important in analyzing the operation of catalytic reactors and packed-bed heat exchangers.