Professional Documents
Culture Documents
IJESRT
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES & RESEARCH
TECHNOLOGY
Effects of Adding Alcohols, Electrolytes and Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) on
Design Parameters in Internal Loop Airlift Bubble Column
Ali Abdul Rahman Al Ezzi1,3,*, Ghazi Faisal Najmuldeen1,2,*
1
Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering/ Universiti Malaysia Pahang
3
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Technology/ Baghdad, Iraq
ali_alezy65@yahoo.com
Abstract
The effect of gas velocity, liquid-phase properties, solid-particle concentration and the static liquid height
on gas hold-up (g) and mass transfer coefficient (KLa) were studied in a three phase internal loop airlift bubble
column (ILBC) (the ratio of the draft tube to column diameter equal to 0.5). Air was used as a gas phase. Water and
seven aqueous solutions of 10% concentration methanol, ethanol, NaCL, acetic acid, 50% glycerol and 2%CMC
were used as the liquid phase. Polyethylene-non-porous-solid particles with a concentration of (50,100) Kg/m3 were
used as solid phase. Superficial gas velocity varied from 0.01 m/s to 0.1 m/s and air dispersed into the center of the
draught tube by using a porous gas distributor. The results showed that (g) and (KLa) increase with increasing gas
velocity and decrease with increasing solid particle concentration, static liquid height, viscosity and surface tension
of liquid-phase.
Introduction
Bubble column reactors belong to the general increases in the higher range of velocity. Guerin et al.,
class of multiphase reactors which consist of three main [8]studied the effect of gas flow rate on mixing time.
categories namely; the trickle bed reactor (fixed or They found that the mixing time dose didn't decrease
packed bed), fluidized bed reactor, and the bubble proportionally with the increase of gas flow rate, and this
column reactor[1,2]. Slurry columnis similar to fluidized is a main difference between BC and mechanically
bed columns, in that a gas is passed through a column stirred columns. Solid-mixing and solid replacements are
containing solid catalyst particles suspended in a fluid. In important factors in cases where the solids have a short
slurries the catalyst is suspended in a fluid, in fluidized lifetime[9].
beds the suspending fluid is the reacting gas itself[3,4]. Fan and Chern,[10], studied solid-mixing in a gas-
In (SC) an attempt is made to realize intensive and liquid-solid system .They reported three-states of solid
intimate contact between a gasphase component and a mixing, these states are complete segregation, partial
finely dispersed solid. With respect to this purpose (SC) intermixing and complete intermixing. Particle size in
are related to packed bed columns with the different gas- (SC) can be small to very small, even down to the
liquid flow regimes that can be realized (such as trickle submicron range. The effect of average particle size (dp)
flow, pulsed flow, dispersed bubble flow etc.). Also and solid density on the critical superficial gas velocity
there is a lot of similarity with three phase fluid bed (Vgc) is given as[11]:
systems. The latter systems share many properties with 0.95
L
(SC), but the main difference is the fact that in fluid beds Vgc d 0.47
,Vgc S (1)
L
P
with upward fluid flows the drag force acting on the
solids by the gas and liquid flow is on the average
balanced by the net weight of the particles, while in (SC)
The pressure drop in (SC) is usually more or less
the overall liquid solid slip velocities are practically
independent of the gas flow and close to the hydrostatic
zero and particles remain suspended by the action of the
pressure. Of course there is also a pressure drop required
turbulence, in the liquid phase[5,6].
for the gas distributor.
Deckwer and Schumpe,[7]studied the effect of
Slurry columns can be classified according to the
various design parameters. They found that mixing time
phases where the reactants are present. Generally (SC)
decreases initially with increasing gas velocity and then
can be classified according to[6]:
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
Impact Factor: 1.852
a. The chemical system. with different degree of wetting. Shah and Godbole, [14]
b. The contacting pattern and mechanical hold up- studied the (M.S.C) for different column heights. Koide
fractions devices. found that the effect of solid particles on reducing (g)
Hydrodynamics of (SC) includes the study of value in the transition regime is larger than that in
mixing and the volumetric liquid side mass transfer heterogeneous regime. Fuku, and Chern, [15] studied the
coefficient at the gas-liquid interface (KLa). For the (M.S.C) for a column with a draft tube; they showed
design of (SC), whether agitated only by the flowing gas that with a draft-tube applied in the system, a much
or assisted by one or more stirrers, the conditions at smaller volumetric flow rate of gas was required to
which the particles are just suspended are very important. suspend that same amount of solid, compared with
Therefore, generally only a minimum suspension normal column. Narayanan etal., [16]studied the (M.S.C)
criterion (M.S.C) is considered[12]. in sparged vessels with a stagnant liquid medium, and
Roy et al., [13] studied by applying the pressure gave a relation to minimum gas velocity to suspend the
drop technique a large variety of gas solid and liquid particles as in this equation:
systems including non-aqueous systems and particles
DC
V g (min, actual ) = 1 . 25 . exp ( 3W S ) .V g (min, theo ) for w S 0 .1
0 . 0508
Where .. n = 0 . 2 ... for ... d P < 100 m (2)
n = 0 . 5 .. for .. d p > 200 m
The average hold-up fractions of gas, solids and liquid should satisfy the equation:
g + s + L = 1 (3)
In contrast to the three-phase fluid-beds where phase fluidization to use the Akita, s equationusing
the relation between the three-phase hold ups can be liquid/solid suspended bulk properties instead of liquid
rather complex, in slurry columns with the much smaller properties.
particles and slip velocities, the relation between (l) and
1 1
(s) is often simple as it is fixed by the feed ratio of solids 1 7 6 8
liquid phases, or liquid and solids volumes are constant g = Ln 1 + 8C g .V g
24 B
(5)
(in batch systems). The bubble hold-up is much more 8 B B
difficult to predict, first of all because of the different
regimes that might prevail both in stirred vessels and
slurry sparger columns. Shah and Godbole, [14] studied Koide and Horibe,[20]studied the effect of
the regimes in three-phase flow sparger. They showed using solids in the draught tube in a solid suspended
that there are three regimes. The regimes are: bubble column. For an adequate description of mass
1. Uniform is bubbling at low gas velocity. transfer with chemical reaction in slurry columns,
2. Churn-turbulent-flowat higher-gas velocities, with a reliable data on the following two types
mixture of large and small bubbles. a- parameters which are specific for slurry columns (KG,
3. Slugging in small diameter columns, where the large KL, KLa, KGa).
bubbles are comparable to the column diameter. B- Parameters which are not specific for the type of
Koide et al., [17]studied the three phase flow with reactor applied (intrinsic reaction kinetics) [3].
different solid concentrations; they showed that the effect Akita and Yoshida, [18]showed that a better
of solid particles on reducing thegvalue in the transition empirical equation of (KLa) can be obtained by using (g)
regimes is larger than that in heterogeneous regime. instead of (Vg) in the BC:
Akita and Yoshida, [18]studied the gas hold up in BC Koide and Horibe,[20]studied the bubble column with
and proposed a correlation for gas hold up in terms of draught tube. Koide et al., [21]studied BC with draught
bond and Galilo numbers. tube and with gas dispersion into the annulus, the values
of (KLa) and (g) are much larger than those in the bubble
g column without draught tube, when a liquid with frothing
= K .BO .Ga .Fr (4)
(1 ) g
4 ability is used.
increases in bubble size. Figure (3a) shows, the effect of coefficient and the mass transfer coefficient. Figure6
the static liquid height on gas hold up. It is clear that shows the effect of liquid phase properties on (KLa). As
increasing the static liquid height will decrease the gas mentioned before, the ionic forces in the liquid bulk
hold up. As the static liquid height is increased, the reduce the bubble rise velocity and the bubble
bubbles have time to coalescence further and ultimately coalescence, so that the mass transfer coefficient is
reduce gas hold up. In our experimental studies the increased.
maximum static liquid height used was 0.70 m. In
slurries the presence of solid particles in the liquid might Conclusions
enhance bubble coalescence into larger bubbles and (i) The presence of suspended solid particles in the
therefore reduce gas hold up. Figure(3b) shows the effect bubble column with a draught tube and the ratio
of using different liquid phase (alcohols and electrolytes) of the draught tube diameter to column diameter
respectively, on gas hold up. Low electrolyte equal to 0.5 reduce the values of holdup gand
concentrations have no noticeable effect on the surface the volumetric liquid-phase mass transfer
tension of the solution. However the ionic forces in the coefficient kLa. The reduction of gand kLavalues
liquid bulk reduce the bubble rise velocity and the bubble due to an addition of solid particles to the
coalescence. As a result, the gas hold-up increase. For column increases with increasing solid
high electrolyte concentration, the interfacial tension concentration and liquid phase (water, glycerol
increases, resulting in increased bubble size and reduce and solids, Newtonian and water, CMC non-
gas-holdup. Newtonian) viscosity.
(ii) The gas hold-up and mass transfer coefficient in
Mass transfer coefficient bubble column with a draught tube, where gas is
The physical absorption of oxygen in the air by dispersed into the center of the base of the inner
the liquid was employed to determine the mass transfer draught tube using a pours multi hole distributor
coefficient. A material balance of oxygen in the liquid increase with increasing gas velocity, for Vg
gives:
2.303(1 g s )
equal or less than 0.1m/sec, only for the case of
C Sa Ci (water, glycerol and solids) system, the mass
K La = .Log (9)
t C Sa Co transfer coefficient reaches its maximum at gas
Rearranging equation (9) gives: velocity of 0.02 m/sec.
C Sa Ci K La (iii) When the static liquid height is increased, the
=
C Sa Ci 2.303(1 g S )
Log .t (10) bubble has time to coalesce further and
ultimately decreases the axial dispersion
coefficient and reduces both gases hold up and
Plotting the left hand side of equation (10) with (t), the mass transfer coefficient.
average slope of the plot will give the term
( )
K La 2.303 1 - g - S . the values of (g) and (s) were References
[1] Degaleesan S, Dudukovic M, Pan Y.
determined as mentioned in (7) and (8) respectively, then Experimental study of gas-induced liquid-flow
(KLa) can be calculated. Figure (4a) shows that the mass structures in bubble columns. AIChE J 2001;
transfer coefficients increase with increasing gas 47:191331.
velocity. The axial dispersion coefficients (DL) increase [2] Guy, C., Carreau, P. J., and Paris J. (1986).
with increasing gas velocity and therefore increase (KLa). Mixing Characteristics and. Gas Hold-up of a
Figure (4b) shows the effect of solid particle Bubble Column, Can. J. Chem. Eng., 64, 2335.
concentration on (KLa). The presence of solid particle in [3] Koide, K., and Horibe, K., (1985). Gas holdup
the liquid will decrease the axial dispersion coefficient and volumetric liquid phase mass transfer
and it enhances bubble coalescence. The bubble size will coefficient in solid suspended bubble column with
be larger and occupying larger space in the column and draught tube, J. Chem. Eng. Jap., 18, 248254.
therefore reduces (KLa). At a higher gas velocity (0.1) [4] Pino LZ, Solari RB, Siuier S, Estevez LA, Yepez
m/sec, the effect of solid particles on (KLa) will be less MM, Saez AE. Effect of operating conditions on
than in low gas velocities (0.03m/sec). Figures (5a) and gas holdup in slurry bubble columns with a
(5b)show the effect of static liquid height on the mass foaming liquid. ChemEngCommun
transfer coefficient. As the static liquid height is 1992;117:36782.
increased, however the bubble has time to coalesce [5] Hugo, I., (1986). Chemical Reactor Design and
further and ultimately decreases the axial dispersion Technology,Martinus-Nijhoff, Boston, USA.
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
Impact Factor: 1.852
[6] Ramachandran, P. A., and Chaudhari, R. coefficient in bubble column with draught tube
V.(1983). Three-phase catalytic reactors, Gordon and with gas dispersion into annulus. J.
and Breach Science Publishers, New York. Chem.Eng. Jap.,16, 407413.
[7] Deckwer, W. D., and Schumpe, A. (1993). [22] Nishikawa,M.;Kato,H.; Hashimoto,K. 1977.
Improved tools for bubble column reactor design Ind.Eng.chem.process des.Dev. 16:133137.
and scale-up, Chem. Eng. Sci., 48, 889911.
[8] Guerin, P., (1984). Characterization of helical Nomenclature
impellers by circulation times, Can. J. Chem.
Eng., 62, 301309. Ci Concentration of dissolved oxygen at any time, p.p.m
[9] Dautzenberg, F. M. (1982). Advances in Catalytic C0 Initial concentration of dissolved oxygen, p.p.m
Chemistry II, Symposium Salt Lake City, Utah, CSa Saturated concentration of dissolved oxygen, p.p.m
USA. CS Solid particle concentration, KG/m3
[10] Fan, L. S., Chern, S. H., and Muroyama, K. DC Column diameter, m
(1984). Solids mixing in a gasliquidsolid Di Diffusivity of oxygen in solution, m2/sec
fluidized bed containing a binary mixture of DL Axial dispersion coefficient (liquid), m2/sec
particles, AIChE.J., 30, 858860. Dp Average particle size, m
[11] A.A. Aziz, M.SC. Thesis, university of Baghdad g Acceleration of gravity, m/s2
(1987). HL Static slurry height, m
[12] Heck, J., Onken, U. (1987). Hysteresis Effects in HF Level of aerated slurry, m
Suspended Solid Particles in Bubble Columns H F Level of liquid phase & solids, m
with and without Draught Tube, Chem. Eng. Sci., KL Liquid phase mass transfer coefficient, m/s
42, 12111212. Overall mass transfer coefficient, based on aerated slurry
[13] Roy, N.K. (1964). Suspension of solids in a KLa
volume, 1/s
bubbling liquid: Critical gas flow rates for Sc slurry column
complete suspension, Chem. Eng. Sci., 19, 215 t Time, min
225. Vg Gas velocity, m/sec
[14] Shah, Y.T., and Godbole, B. G., (1982). Vgc Critical gas velocity, m/s
Hydrodynamics of Gas-Liquid Reactors, AIChE. WS Mass of solid, /kg liquid
J., 28, 353379.
[15] Fuku, T., Chern, B., (1968). Liquid mixing in Greek symbol
concurrent bubble columns, Chem. Eng.J., 1, g Gas hold up
153158. s Solid hold up
[16] Narayanan, S., Bhatia, V.K., and Guha D. K. L Liquid phase density, kg/m3
(1982). Design parameters estimations for bubble S Solid phase density, kg/m3
column reactors, Can. J. 28, 353379. L Liquid phase viscosity, CP
[17] Koide, K., Takazawa, A., and Komura, M., L Kinematic viscosity of liquid phase, cm2/s
(1984). Classification and Characterization of L Liquid phase surface tension dyn/cm
Hydrodynamic and Transport Behaviors of Three-
Phase Reactors, J. Chem. Eng. Jap., 17, 459470. Dimensionless groups
[18] Akita K, Yoshida F. (1973).Gas hold-up and Bo Bond number, (G.DC2.L)/
volumetric mass transfer coefficients in bubble Fr Froud number, Vg/ (g.DC0.5)
columns, IndEngChem Process Des Dev., 12, 76 Ga Galilo number Vg.DC3.L/ L2
80.
[19] Miller, D. N., (1980). Gas holdup and pressure Subscripts
drop in bubble column reactors, Ind. Eng. Chem. G gas
Process Des. Dev., 19, 371377. L liquid
[20] Koide, K., Kuremats, K., wamoto,S. I., Iwata, Y.,
and Horibe, K., (1983). Gas holdup and
volumetric liquid phase mass transfer coefficient
in bubble column with draught tube and with gas
dispersion into tube, J. Chem. Eng. Jap., 16, 407
419.
[21] Koide, K., S. Hiroyuki, and I. Shinji, (1983). Gas
holdup and volumetric liquid phase mass transfer
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
Impact Factor: 1.852
The solution of CMC (carboxy methyl cellulose) shows non Newtonian, pseudo plastic behavior, which can be described
by the power law of Ostwald and deweale:
t = K n
Where:-
K: Ostwald factor (consistency index)
n: flow behavior index
: shear rate 1/sec
T: shear stress
eff= n-1
where eff: effective liquid phase viscosity Pa.s
Y = 5000 Vg [22]
Where Vg: gas velocity m/sec.
Table2. Physical properties for mixtures used with various concentration at T=20oC.
L
(kg/m3)103 CP dyn/cm cm2/sec
a)
c) b)
(a)
(b)
Fig.2.(a) Gas hold-up versus gas velocity for water system; (b) Gas hold up versus solid concentration for water system for
various gas velocities.
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International
International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
2277
Impact Factor: 1.852
(a)
(b)
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International
International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
2277
Impact Factor: 1.852
(a)
Fig.4.(a) Mass transfer coefficient versus gas velocity for water systems; (b) Mass transfer coefficient versus solid concentration
concent
for water system for various gas velocities.
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International
International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
2277
Impact Factor: 1.852
(a)
Fig. 5.(a) Mass transfer coefficient versus static liquid height for various solid concentrations at0.06m/sec; (b) Mass transfer
coefficient versus static liquid height for various solid Concentrations and for various gas velocities.
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International
International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]
[Al Ezzi, 2(12): December, 2013] ISSN: 2277-9655
2277
Impact Factor: 1.852
http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International
International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology
[3415-3426]