Interfacial area and boundary of hydrodynamic flow region in packed column with cocurrent downward flow

Abstract

Liquid holdup and interfacial areas were measured in packed columns with cocurrent downward flow. An empirical equation of liquid holdup ϕl is presented in terms of Reynolds numbers of gas Reg(=dsGg/µg) and liquid Rel, surface shape factor of packing ϕ, void fraction ε and ratio of packing to column diameter dp/T, where the ratio is smaller than 0.13. This equation is different for the dispersed bubble flow and other flow regions. The empirical equation of interfacial area ap in the respective flow regions varies as follows: [formula omitted] where ω=7.5×10−5, m=0.2, n=0.15, q=2/3, t=2.5 for spray flow; ω=2.2×10−4, m=0.3, n=2/3, q=0.2, t=2.5 for pulse flow; ω=3.9×10−3, m=0.1, n=0.4, q=0, t=2 for trickle flow; ω=2.8×10−7, m=0.9, n=1.8, q=0, t=3.3 for dispersed bubble flow. The equation of the boundary in the respective flow regions was found by equating the two of them. The predicted boundaries are in excellent agreement with the literature data given from the analysis of liquid pulse frequencies. The predictions for interfacial areas also agree well with the literature data. © 1977, The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan. All rights reserved.