Gas Holdups of Small and Large Bubbles in a Large-scale Bubble Column with Elevated Pressure

Gas holdups of large bubbles and small bubbles were measured by means of dynamic gas disengagement approach in the pressured bubble column with a diameter of 0.3 m and a height of 6.6 m. The effects of superficial gas velocity, liquid surface tension, liquid viscosity and system pressure on gas holdups of small bubbles and large bubbles were investigated. The holdup of large bubbles increases and the holdup of small bubbles decreases with an increase of liquid viscosity. Meanwhile, the holdup of large bubbles decreases with increasing the system pressure. A correlation for the holdup of small bubbles was obtained from the experimental data.

水平管内相积存造成深冷混合工质变浓度分析

因多相流动中汽液速度差而造成相积存(Holdup)是深冷混合工质节流制冷系统中混合物浓度偏析的一个重要因素。本文建立了因相积存造成浓度变化的计算模型,在随管长存在分布热负荷(受热或冷却)情况下,考查了水平直管内深冷多元混合物因汽液相积存造成的循环浓度偏析情况。

Hydrodynamic Behavior in a Tapered Bubble Column

The experiment was conducted to explore the hydrodynamics in a conical column with a height of 3.00 m, and a taper angle of 1.91°. Three regimes occur in succession with increasing superficial gas velocity. Overall gas holdup increases with an increase in gas velocity and a decrease in solid concentration or static slurry height. Axial solid holdup becomes more uniform with increasing gas velocity, while axial gas holdup decreases from the bottom to the top. Both dry and wet pressure drops across the gas distributor increase with an increase in superficial gas velocity.

Slug Flow Characteristics in Inclined and Vertical Channels

Horizontal well production technology gradually occupies a dominant position in the petroleum field.With the rise in water production in the later stage of exploitation,slug flow phenomena will exist in horizontal,inclined and even vertical sections of gas wells.To grasp the flow law of slug flow and guide engineering practice,the flow law of slug flow at various inclination angles(30°~90°)is studied by means of the combination of laboratory experiments(including high frequency pressure data acquisition system)and finite element numerical simulation.The results reveal that because of the delay of pressure variation at the corresponding position of pipeline resulting from gas expansion,the highest point of pressure change curve corresponds not to the highest point of liquid holdup curve(pressure change lags behind 0.125 s of liquid holdup change).Thus,the delay of pressure should be highlighted in predicting slug flow using pressure parameter change;otherwise the accuracy of prediction will be affected when slug flow occurs.It is generally known that liquid holdup and pressure drop are the major factors affecting the pressure variation and stable operation of pipelines.Accordingly,the results of finite element numerical simulation and Beggs-Brill model calculation are compared with those of laboratory experiments.The numerical simulation method is applicable to predicting the pressure drop of the pipeline,while the Beggs-Brill model is more suitable for predicting the liquid holdup variation of the pipeline.The research conclusion helps reveal the slug flow law,and it is of a scientific guiding implication to the prediction method of flow parameters under slug flow pattern in the process of gas well exploitation.

Hydrodynamic characteristics of 30%TBP/kerosene-HNO3 solution system in an annular centrifugal contactor

Annular centrifugal contactors (ACCs) have many advantages and are recognized as key solvent-extraction equipment for the future reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel (RSNF). To successfully design and operate ACCs for RSNF, it is necessary to understand the hydrodynamic characteristics of the extraction systems in ACCs. The phase ratio (R = Vaq/Vorg, A/O) and liquid holdup volume (V) of the ACC are important hydrodynamic characteristics. In this study, a liquid-fast-separation method was used to systematically investigate the effects of the operational and structural parameters on the V and R (A/O) of a φ20 ACC by using a 30%TBP/kerosene- HNO3 solution system. The results showed that the operational and structural parameters had different effects on the V and R (A/O) of the mixing and separating zones of the ACC, respectively. For the most frequently used structural parameters of the φ20 ACC, when the rotor speed was 3500 r/min, the total flow rate was 2.0 L/h, and the flow ratio (A/O) was 1, the liquid holdup volumes in the mixing zone and rotor were 8.03 and 14.0 mL, respectively, and the phase ratios (A/O) of the mixing zone and separating zone were 0.96 and 1.43, respectively.

Study on gas–liquid flow characteristics in stirred tank with dual-impeller based on CFD-PBM coupled model

Study on gas–liquid flow in stirred tank with two combinations of dual-impeller(six-bent-bladed turbine(6BT)+six-inclined-blade down-pumping turbine(6 ITD),the six-bent-bladed turbine(6BT)+six-inclinedblade up-pumping turbine(6ITU))was conducted using computational fluid dynamics(CFD)and population balance model(PBM)(CFD-PBM)coupled model.The local bubble size was captured by particle image velocimetry(PIV)measurement.The gas holdup,bubble size distribution and gas–liquid interfacial area were explored at different conditions through numerical simulation.The results showed that the 4 mm bubbles accounted for the largest proportion of 33%at the gas flow rates Q=0.76 m^(3)·h^(-1) and 22%at Q=1.52 m^(3)·h^(-1) for combined impeller of 6BT+6ITU,while the bubbles of 4.7 mm and 5.5 mm were the largest proportion for 6BT+6ITD combination,i.e.25%at Q=0.76 m^(3)·h^(-1) and 22%at Q=1.52 m^(3)·h^(-1),respectively,which indicated that 6BT+6ITU could reduce bubble size effectively and promote gas dispersion.In addition,the gas holdup around impellers was increased obviously with the speed compared with gas flow rate.So it was concluded that 6ITU impeller could be more conductive to the bubble dispersion with more uniform bubble size,which embodied the advantages of 6BT+6ITU combination in gas–liquid mixing.

Experimental determination of gas holdup and volumetric mass transfer coefficient in a jet bubbling reactor

The hydrodynamics and mass transfer characteristics of a lab-scale jet bubbling reactor(JBR)including the gas holdup,volumetric mass transfer coefficient and specific interfacial area were assessed experimentally investigating the influence of temperature,pH and superficial gas velocity.The reactor diameter and height were 11 and 30 cm,respectively.It was equipped with a single sparger,operating at atmospheric pressure,20 and 40℃,and two pH values of 3 and 6.The height of the liquid was 23 cm,while the superficial gas velocity changed within 0.010-0.040 m·s^(-1)range.Experiments were conducted with pure oxygen as the gas phase and saturated lime solution as the liquid phase.The liquid-side volumetric mass transfer coefficient was determined under unsteady-state oxygen absorption in a saturated lime solution.The gas holdup was calculated based on the liquid height change,while the specific interfacial area was obtained by a physical method based on the bubble size distribution(BSD)in different superficial gas velocities.The results indicated that at the same temperature but different pH,the gas holdup variation was negligible,while the liquid-side volumetric mass transfer coefficient at the pH value of 6 was higher than that at the pH=3.At a constant pH but different temperatures,the gas holdup and the liquid-side volumetric mass transfer coefficients at 40℃were higher than that of the same at 20℃.A reasonable and appropriate estimation of the liquid-side volumetric mass transfer coefficient(kla)in a pilot-scale JBR was provided which can be applied to the design and scale-up of JBRs.

Visual study on the characteristics of liquid and droplet in a novel rotor-stator reactor

Rotor–stator reactor(RSR), an efficient mass transfer enhancer, has been applied in many fields. However,the hydrodynamic characteristics of liquid flow in RSR are still a mystery despite they are fundamental for the mass transfer performance and processing capacity. In view of the above, this paper studies the liquid–liquid flow and liquid holdup in RSR under various conditions with a high-speed camera. The paper firstly demonstrates two flow patterns and liquid holdup patterns that we obtained from our experiment and then presents in succession a flow pattern and a liquid holdup criterion for the transition of film flow to filament flow and complete filling to incomplete filling. It is found that experimental parameters, including rotor–stator distance, rotational speed and volume flow rate exert great influence on the average droplet diameter and size distribution. Besides, by comparison and contrast, we also find that the experimental values match well with our previous predicted calculations of the average diameter, and the relation between the average diameter and the mean energy dissipation rate.

Effects of internals on phase holdup and backmixing in a slightly-expanded-bed reactor with gas–liquid concurrent upflow

Five different internals were designed,and their effects on phase holdup and backmixing were investigated in a gas–liquid concurrent upflow reactor where the spherical alumina packing particles of three diameters(3.0,4.5 and6.0 mm)were slightly expanded under the conditions of varied superficial gas velocities(6.77×10-2-3.61×10-1 m·s-1)and superficial liquid velocities(9.47×10-4-2.17×10-3 m·s-1).The experimental results show that the gas holdup increases with the superficial gas velocity and particle size,opposite to the variational trend of liquid holdup.When an internal component is installed amid the upflow reactor,a higher gas holdup,a less liquid holdup and a larger Peclet number characterizing the weaker backmixing are obtained compared to those in the bed without internals under the same operating conditions.Additionally,the minimal backmixing is observed in the reactor equipped with the internals with a novel multi-step design.Finally,empirical correlations were proposed for estimating gas holdup,liquid holdup and Peclet number with the relative deviations within 11%,12%and 25%,respectively.

Variation law of gas holdup in an autoclave during the pressure leaching process by using a mixed-flow agitator

The multiphase reaction process of pressure leaching is mainly carried out in the liquid phase. Therefore, gas holdup is essential for the gas–liquid–solid phase reaction and the extraction rate of valuable metals. In this paper, a transparent quartz autoclave, a six blades disc turbine-type agitator, and a high-speed camera were used to investigate the gas holdup of the pressure leaching process. Furthermore, experiments determining the effects of agitation rate, temperature, and oxygen partial pressure on gas holdup were carried out. The results showed that when the agitation rate increased from 350 to 600 r/min, the gas holdup increased from 0.10% to 0.64%. When the temperature increased from 363 to 423 K, the gas holdup increased from 0.14% to 0.20%. When the oxygen partial pressure increased from 0.1 to 0.8 MPa, the gas holdup increased from 0.13% to 0.19%. A similar criteria relationship was established by Homogeneous Principle and Buckingham's theorem. Comprehensively, empirical equation of gas holdup was deduced on the basis of experimental data and the similarity theory, where the criterion equation was determined as ε=4.54×10^(-11)n^(3.65)T^(2.08)P_g^(0.18). It can be seen from the formula that agitation rate made the most important impact on gas holdup in the pressure leaching process using the mixed-flow agitator.

THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON BUBBLE DIAMETER AND GAS HOLDUP IN AERATED STIRRED TANKS

1 INTRODUCTIONBubble diameter distribution and gas holdup are very important parameters indicatingthe characteristics of gas-liquid dispersion,works done are mostly experimentalobservation.Theoretical analysis of bubble diameter has been mostly focused on thebreak-up of bubbles in the impeller region,and only the theoretical relationship be-tween bubble diameter and operating variables in the impeller region has been

BUBBLE SIZES AND HOLDUP STRUCTURE IN BUBBLE COLUMNS DETERMINED BY DYNAMIC GAS DISENGAGEMENT

A new model for determining bubble size distributions in bubble columns by the dynamic gasdisengagement(DGD)technique is developed.It is based on an idea of non-uniform steady statedirstribution of bubble dispersion.Interpreting the axial non-uniformity,this model gives axial gasholdup distributions.If assuming an axially homogeneous dispersion,a radial gas holdup distributioncan be obtained.The Sauter mean diameters or specific interfacial areas for several systems areestimated by the technique.The results for an air-water system agree with those measured by afive-point conductivity probe technique.The obtained axial gas holdup distributions agree well withreported measurements and the radial gas holdup distributions are also reasonable.

Effect of Gas Injection on Fluid Flow in Mold

A mathematical and physical model was adopted to compute the fluid flow distribution in case of localgas holdup in mold. The photography was used to show the fluid field. The predicted flow patterns show. reasonableagreement with experiment observations using actual water model.

A method and device for online magnetic resonance multiphase flow detection

Most multiphase flow separation detection methods used commonly in oilfields are low in efficiency and accuracy,and have data delay.An online multiphase flow detection method is proposed based on magnetic resonance technology,and its supporting device has been made and tested in lab and field.The detection technology works in two parts:measure phase holdup in static state and measure flow rate in flowing state.Oil-water ratio is first measured and then gas holdup.The device is composed of a segmented magnet structure and a dual antenna structure for measuring flowing fluid.A highly compact magnetic resonance spectrometer system and intelligent software are developed.Lab experiments and field application show that the online detection system has the following merits:it can measure flow rate and phase holdup only based on magnetic resonance technology;it can detect in-place transient fluid production at high frequency and thus monitor transient fluid production in real time;it can detect oil,gas and water in a full range at high precision,the detection isn’t affected by salinity and emulsification.It is a green,safe and energy-saving system.

Fluidization characteristics of different sizes of quartz particles in the fluidized bed

Fluidization characteristics of quartz particles with different sizes are experimentally investigated in a fluidized bed with an inner diameter of 300 mm and height of 8250 mm.Results show that the average solid holdup increases with the increase in superficial gas velocity and the decrease in initial solid holdup in the dense zone of the fluidized bed.The average cross-sectional solid holdup decreases with increasing bed height and superficial gas velocity.The bed expansion coefficient increases with the increase in superficial gas velocity and the decrease in solid holdup.Correlations of average solid holdup,average cross-sectional solid holdup and bed expansion coefficient are also established and discussed.These correlations can provide guidelines for better understanding of the fluidization characteristics.

The Effects of Frothers and Particles on the Characteristics of Pulp and Froth Properties in Flotation—A Critical Review

The pulp and froth zones are the main components of froth flotation as it defines both quality of the end product and overall efficiency. The importance of the properties of the two zones, which include pulp hydrodynamics, froth bubble coalescence rate, water overflow rate, air recovery, etc., is being increasingly recognized. The properties are depending not only on the type and concentration of the frother but also on the nature and amount of the particles present in the flotation system, and as well as the frother-particle interactions and potentially of bubble-particle interactions. To date, there is no specific criterion to quantify pulp and froth properties through the interactions between frothers and particles because the various related mechanisms occurring in the pulp and froth are not fully understood. Linking the properties to the metallurgical performance is also challenged. In order to better understand the effect of these issues in flotation, in this review paper, the past and recently published articles relevant to characterizations of pulp and froth properties are widely reviewed;the findings and the gap of knowledge in this area are highlighted for further research.

PHASE HOLDUP AND LIQUID DISPERSION IN GAS-LIQUID-SOLID CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BEDS

Axial and radial profiles of gas and solids holdups have been studied in agas-liquid-solid circulating fluidized bed at 140mm i.d..Experimental results indicate that the axialand radial profiles of gas and solids holdups are more uniform than those in a conventionalfluidized bed.Axial and radial liquid dispersion coefficients in the gas-liquid-solid circulating fluidizedbed are investigated for the first time.It is found that axial and radial liquid dispersioncoefficients increases with increaes in gas velocity and solids holdup.The liquid velocity has littleinfluence on the axial liquid dispersion coefficient,but would adversely affect the redial liquiddispersion coefficient.It can be concluded that the gas-liquid-solid circulating fluidized bed hasadvantages such as better interphase contact and lower liquid dispersion along the axial directionover the expanded bed.

STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF VERTICAL TUBULAR LEACHING REACTOR

Hydrodynamics in vertical tubular leaching reactor was studied in this work. Based on the observation of particle saltation in curved and square return bends, the inclined return bend was developed and examined. For the narrow and wide size distribution particle system, the method for calculating the particle holdup in upflow and downflow tubes was derived on the basis of generalized fluidization equation. The model of unit pressure drop was given and examined by experiments.

The effect of operating and design parameter on bubble column performance:The LOPROX case study

It is known that the performances of multi-phase reactors depend on the operating parameters(the temperature and the pressure of the system),the phase properties,and the design parameters(the aspect ratio(AR),the bubble column diameter,and the gas sparger design).Hence,the precise design and the correct operation of multi-phase reactors depends on the understanding and prediction of the fluid dynamics parameters.This paper contributes to the existing discussion on the effect of operating and design parameter on multi-phase reactors and,in particular,it considers an industrial process(e.g.,the LOPROX(low pressure oxidation)case study,which is typical example of two-phase bubble columns).Based on a previously-validated set of correlations,the influence of operating and design parameter on system performances is studied and critically analyzed.First,we studied the effects of the design parameter on the liquid–gas interfacial area,by keeping constant the fluid physical–chemical properties as well as the operating conditions;subsequently,we discussed for a fixed system design,the influence of the liquid phase properties and the operating pressure.In conclusion,this paper is intended to provide guidelines for the design and scale-up of multi-phase reactors.