Influence of gas flow rate on liquid distribution in trickle-beds using perforated plates as liquid distributors

TL;DR

This study investigates how varying gas flow rates affect liquid distribution in trickle-bed reactors with perforated plates, revealing that gas can negatively impact distribution depending on initial conditions and highlighting measurement limitations.

Contribution

The paper demonstrates the dependence of gas flow effects on initial liquid distribution and compares measurement techniques, revealing limitations of liquid collectors in such studies.

Findings

Gas flow rate's impact varies with initial distribution quality.

Gas can negatively influence liquid distribution under certain conditions.

Liquid collector measurements may lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Abstract

Two wire mesh tomography devices and a liquid collector were used to study the influence of the gas flow rate on liquid distribution when fluids distribution on top of the reactor is ensured by a perforated plate. In opposition to most of the studies realized by other authors, conditions in which the gas has a negative impact in liquid distribution were evidenced. Indeed, the obtained results show that the influence of gas flow rate depends on the quality of the initial distribution, as the gas forces the liquid to "respect" the distribution imposed at the top of the reactor. Finally, a comparison between the two measuring techniques shows the limitations of the liquid collector and the improper conclusions to which its use could lead.