Identification of the process windows of inclined rotating fixed-bed reactors with concentric tube – A hydrodynamic analysis

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Robert Timaeus - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Eckhard Schleicher - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • André Bieberle - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Uwe Hampel - , Chair of Imaging Techniques in Energy and Process Engineering (with HZDR), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Markus Schubert - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)

Abstract

The inclined rotating fixed-bed reactor with inner tube is a promising process intensification concept for gas-limited reactions. In order to take full advantage of the reactor concept the installation of an inner concentric displacement tube is proposed to support the wetting intermittency of the whole fixed-bed at stratified flow with different liquid filling levels. The liquid phase distribution is characterized with a capacitance-based wire-mesh sensor, which is designed to cope with organic liquid, porous catalyst packings and reactor rotation. The effects of operating conditions and design parameters on flow stratification, liquid filling level and specific pressure drop are analysed to identify the process windows. Superficial liquid velocity and inclination angle were found to significantly influence the liquid filling level, while rotational velocity and superficial gas velocity have minor effects. Besides, reducing the particle diameter is an effective measure to manipulate the stratification patterns and the associated pressure drop.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number115637
JournalChemical engineering science
Volume220
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jul 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Capacitance wire-mesh sensor, Hydrodynamic analysis, Inclined rotating fixed-bed, Multiphase reactor