Statistical Analysis of the Phase Holdup Characteristics of a Gas-Liquid-Solid Fluidized Bed

Abstract

Experiments have been carried out to study the individual phase holdup characteristics in a cocurrent three-phase fluidized bed. An antenna type modified air sparger has been used in the gas-liquid distributor section, for uniform mixing of the fluids with the gas moving as fine bubbles to the fluidizing section. This arrangement also reduces the pressure drop encountered through a conventional distributor used for the purpose. To overcome the non-uniformity of flow through the column (i.e. the central region), a distributor plate with 20% open area has been fabricated with concentric circular punched holes of increased diameter from centre to the wall. Model equations have been developed by factorial design analysis for predicting various individual phase holdups.