Moving flow pattern

Figure 6-32, taken from Govier and Aziz, schematically indicates four flow pattern regions superimposed on a plot of pressure gradient vs. mixture velocity = Vl -t- V5 = Qj + ( s)/A where and Vs are the superficial liquid and solid velocities, Qi, and ( 5 are liquid and solid volumetric flow rates, and A is the pipe cross-sectional area. is the transition velocity above which a bed exists in the bottom of the pipe, part of which is stationary and part of which moves by saltation, with the upper particles tumbling and bouncing over one another, often with Formation of dunes. With a broad particle-size distribution, the finer particles may be fully suspended. Near V 4, the pressure gra-... 

Pickiug up the solids at the bottom of the tank depends upon the eddies and velocity fluctuations in the lower part of the tank and is a different criterion from the flow pattern required to keep particles suspended and moving in various velocity patterns throughout the remainder of the vessel This leads to the variables in the design equation and a relationship that is quite different when these same variables are studied in relation to complete uniformity throughout the mixing vessel. 

During backwash the larger, denser panicles will accumulate at the base and the particle size will decrease moving up the column. This distribution yields a good hydraulic flow pattern and resistance to fouling by suspended solids. 

General laws for the flow of fluids were determined by Reynolds, who recognized two flow patterns, laminar and turbulent. In laminar flow the fluid can be considered as a series of parallel strata, each moving at its own speed, and not mixing. Strata adjacent to walls of the duct will be slowed by friction and will move slowest, while those remote from the walls will move fastest. In turbulent flow there is a general forward movement together with irregular transfer between strata. 

The propeller agitator with three blades rotates at relatively high speeds of 60-300 ips high efficient mixing is obtained. The generated flow pattern is axial flow since the fluid moves axially down to the centre and up the side of the tank. 

Bubbly flow. In bubbly flow, the gas phase is moving as isolated bubbles in a liquid continuum. This flow pattern occurs at low void fractions. 

The ideal tubular reactor is one in which elements of the homogeneous fluid reactant move through a tube as plugs moving parallel to the tube axis. This flow pattern is referred to as... 

Centrifugal force can also be used to separate solid particles from fluids by inducing the fluid to undergo a rotating or spiraling flow pattern in a stationary vessel (e.g., a cyclone) that has no moving parts. Cyclones are widely used to remove small particles from gas streams ( aerocyclones ) and suspended solids from liquid streams ( hydrocyclones ). 

Solids Circulation Pattern. Yang et al. (1986) have shown that, based on the traversing force probe responses, three separate axial solids flow patterns can be identified. In the central core of the bed, the solid flow direction is all upward, induced primarily by the action of the jets and the rising bubbles. In the outer regions, close to the vessel walls, the solid flow is all downward. A transition zone, in which the solids move alternately upward and downward, depending on the approach and departure of the large bubbles, was detected in between these two regions. 

After introducing some types of moving-particle reactors, their advantages and disadvantages, and examples of reactions conducted in them, we consider particular design features. These relate to fluid-particle interactions (extension of the treatment in Chapter 21) and to the complex flow pattern of fluid and solid particles. The latter requires development of a hydrodynamic model as a precursor to a reactor model. We describe these in detail only for particular types of fluidized-bed reactors. 

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