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An MRI Investigation of Trickle Flow
  • +2
  • Ali Fathiganjehlou,
  • Kay Buist,
  • E.A.J.F. (Frank) Peters,
  • Larry de Graaf,
  • J.A.M. (Hans) Kuipers
Ali Fathiganjehlou
University of Technology Eindhoven Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
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Kay Buist
University of Technology Eindhoven Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
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E.A.J.F. (Frank) Peters
University of Technology Eindhoven Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Corresponding Author:e.a.j.f.peters@tue.nl

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Larry de Graaf
University of Technology Eindhoven Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
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J.A.M. (Hans) Kuipers
University of Technology Eindhoven Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
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Abstract

Trickle bed reactors (TBR) are widely used in the chemical industries. These reactors involve gas and liquid flow through a catalyst-packed bed. For optimal TBR performance, it is crucial to achieve a uniform distribution of gas and liquid among the catalyst particles. However, in multi-tubular reactors with slender tubes, flow maldistribution near the tube walls is a common issue. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of local phase and flow distribution is essential for designing and operating reactors with slender tubes. This study employs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to characterize the three-dimensional distribution of the two-phase trickle flow within a slender tube. Three quantities are characterized: gas-liquid-solid distribution, particle wetting efficiency, and the flow field. Structure and flow MRI images are processed to calculate these quantities. Additionally, a novel post-processing technique is introduced to determine the liquid distribution over individual particle surfaces. This distribution is determined at several axial and radial positions.
11 Jul 2023Submitted to AIChE Journal
02 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
02 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
05 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
03 Nov 20231st Revision Received
06 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
06 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
06 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned