A model for pressure drop in two-phase gas-liquid downflow through packed columns

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · AIChE J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690310618· OSTI ID:5038212

Rao, V G; Drinkenburg, A A.H.

The nature of the interaction between the flowing phases in a cocurrent gasliquid downflow through packed beds depends on the type of the flow regime. The interaction is poor and geometric in nature in gas-continuous flow and becomes high and dynamic in pulse flow due to gas dispersion, acceleration, and mixing of the liquid in the pulses. Models to calculate pressure drop in each of the flow regimes are presented, taking into account the respective interactions. Experimental data on pressure drops and liquid holdups were measured in gas-continuous flow for 3 mm glass spheres and 6 mm Raschig rings. An air-water system is used. The literature data on pressure drops and the experimental data, covering liquid velocities from 0.001 m/s to 0.029 m/s and gas velocities from 0.097 m/s to 2 m/s, were compared with the calculated values. It was found that the pressure drop due to dynamic interaction can be as low as 10% and as much as 80% of the total pressure drop for the data examined in this work. An empirical correlation for holdup in gas-continuous flow is given for Raschig rings.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemical Engineering, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, AG Groningen
• OSTI ID: 5038212
• Journal Information: AIChE J.; (United States), Journal Name: AIChE J.; (United States) Vol. 31:6; ISSN AICEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
COLUMN PACKING
EXTRACTION APPARATUSES
EXTRACTION COLUMNS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
GAS FLOW
HYDRAULICS
LIQUID FLOW
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
PACKED BED
PACKINGS
PRESSURE DROP
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
TWO-PHASE FLOW