![Sample our Engineering & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5933/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Engineering-Tech.jpg"})
Abstract
In this work we present a mathematical model to simulate the distribution of solid phase in slurry bubble columns with a conical entrance section. The model is based on the sedimentation-dispersion model that is commonly used to simulate solids distribution in cylindrical columns. The model equations are obtained from a mass balance of solids expressed in terms of a cross-sectional average of the solids concentration. The resultingdifferentialequationsare integrated numerically. We have used the model to analyze the effect of the taper angle of a conical distributor on the suspension of solids in a cylindrical spouted bed with pilot scale dimensions. The effects of gas and slurry flow rates, and average and feed solids concentration are also studied. The results show that there is a range of operating conditions for which the solids concentration profile exhibits a maximum within the conical region. For sufficiently high solids concentration, the vicinity of this maximum would be the place where sedimentation of the solid phase starts.