Tracing Flow Patterns in Packed Bed Reactors

Packed bed reactors can show uneven flow patterns in both single-phase and two-phase systems. This experiment examines that maldistribution and how it changes pressure drop across the bed. It also uses tracers to connect residence time distribution and dispersion to the way fluid moves through the packing.

Packed bed reactors are one of the most common types of reactor used in the chemical industry, due to their high conversion rates. Packed bed reactors are typically tubular reactors filled with solid catalyst particles. The reaction occurs on the surface of the solid particle. Thus, small particles enable a high surface to volume ratio and there...