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Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets

Dissertation (MEng (Chemical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2008.

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Other Authors: Nicol, Willie
Format: Thesis
Published: University of Pretoria 2013
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Nicol, Willie
author_browse Nicol, Willie
author_facet Nicol, Willie
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © University of Pretoria 2006 E825
description Dissertation (MEng (Chemical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2008.
format Thesis
id oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/24341
institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:38:18.160Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2013
publishDateRange 2013
publishDateSort 2013
publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
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source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/24341 Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets Nicol, Willie Du Toit, Elizabeth Louisa ina.vanderwesthuizen@sasol.com Van der Westhuizen, Ina Transient upsets Surface tension Trickle bed Hysteresis Multiple hydrodynamic states UCTD Dissertation (MEng (Chemical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2008. The existence of multiple hydrodynamic states (MHS) in trickle bed operation has been proved by hysteresis observed in flow loops, as well as variation between different prewetting modes. The most common theory presented as explanation for the existence of MHS, is the film vs. rivulet concept. Based on this concept, it was suspected that in-situ upsets might promote the formations of films, thereby providing a method through which the hydrodynamic states of the Dry and Levec modes can be manipulated to perform like the Kan Liquid and Super modes. Large performance enhancements can be obtained by altering the prewetting procedure, even for systems with a low surface tension. For the water system, the gas liquid mass transfer coefficient of the Kan Liquid and Super modes could be as much as 6 times greater than that of the Dry mode. For the low surface tension system, the gas liquid mass transfer of the Kan Liquid and Super modes could be up to 8 times greater than that of the Dry mode. Through a thorough investigation of various types of transient upsets and manipulation strategies, it was confirmed that prewetting is indeed the only way by which drastic variation in hydrodynamic states may be obtained. None of the investigated upsets (hysteresis, periodic operation or surface tension doping) resulted in changes in the liquid morphology that could compare to the significant variation that was observed by varying the prewetting mode. Two methods were identified by which the hydrodynamic gaps between the less uniform (Dry and Levec) modes and the more uniform modes (Kan Liquid and Super) could be bridged. The first is to reduce the Levec draining time, while the second method may be seen as an in-situ type of Kan Liquid prewetting. This type of prewetting was obtained during doping with a low surface tension liquid, at a flow rate associated with the high interaction regime for the low surface tension system. Though the hysteresis cycles did not drastically alter the predominant flow type, interesting trends were observed, some of which raised doubt about the application of the films vs. rivulet concept. One mode in particular displayed behaviour which contributed to this doubt, namely the Kan Gas mode; • Gas liquid mass transfer on this mode decreased with an increase in liquid flow rate • Relatively low pressure drops on this mode corresponded to relatively high liquid holdup • It was the only mode that exhibited no hysteresis with gas flow variation, on any of the hydrodynamic parameters The various trends and variations observed with the different types of upsets, leads to the conclusion that the concept of films vs. rivulets simply does not provide adequate explanation of the observed results. In general, two flow types may be distinguished. That which is caused by an initial increase in liquid flow rate as opposed to that which is caused by an initial increase in gas flow rate An investigation to determine the behaviour of each of the investigated parameters near the transition boundaries on all the modes, as well as a repetition of this study with non-intrusive visual techniques is recommended. Chemical Engineering unrestricted 2013-09-06T17:16:25Z 2008-07-10 2013-09-06T17:16:25Z 2007-09-07 2008-07-10 2008-05-05 Dissertation a 2006 E825 AG http://hdl.handle.net/2263/24341 http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-05052008-095050/ © University of Pretoria 2006 E825 application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle Transient upsets
Surface tension
Trickle bed
Hysteresis
Multiple hydrodynamic states
UCTD
Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets
title Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets
title_full Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets
title_fullStr Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets
title_full_unstemmed Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets
title_short Trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states : the effect of flow history, surface tension and transient upsets
title_sort trickle flow multiple hydrodynamic states the effect of flow history surface tension and transient upsets
topic Transient upsets
Surface tension
Trickle bed
Hysteresis
Multiple hydrodynamic states
UCTD
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/24341
http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-05052008-095050/