Flow regime identification and gas hold-up of three-phase fluidized systems

Abstract Three phase fluidized systems comprising air/water/glass beads were operated in A, B and C modes in a column of 285 mm inside diameter and studied using pressure fluctuation signal analysis. Three flow regimes were distinguished i.e. HBR, TR and TBR. Dimensionless correlation of gas hold-up with respect to different flow regimes have been obtained showing that significant effects of flow regime on reactor performance can be expected. Criteria for the flow regime identification were also obtained.