Void fraction measurements in a large (0.3 m) diameter bubble column using Wire Mesh Sensors and Pressure Transducers: Effect of Spargers
The importance of the accurate temporal and spatial measurements of the two-phase flow parameters in bubble columns is very well known. The aim of this research work is to report the spatial measurements of the void fraction distribution in a 30 cm diameter cylindrical bubble column using Wire Mesh Sensor (WMS) tomography and Pressure Transducers. Pair of WMS sensors, with a 64×64 wire configuration of each sensor, were installed which are separated by a distance along the axis of the bubble column. Wire Mesh Sensors and PTs Data were collected for time-averaged and transient with a sampling frequency of 1000 Hz respectively. The principle of Wire-Mesh Sensors (WMS) and algorithms for estimating the void fraction from the WMS raw experimental data have been discussed in great detail. The void fraction results obtained from the WMS are compared against the void fraction results obtained from the Pressure Transducers. Experiments were performed for seven superficial gas velocities, to cover both Homogenous and Heterogenous flows. Two different spargers (point sparger and four arm spargers) were used to study the effect of the sparger design on the hydrodynamics. The measurement uncertainty of the WMS and PTs for air-water two-phase flows is investigated by repeating the experiments. The effect of superficial gas velocity and sparger design on the radial and steady-state void fraction profiles have been reported. These experimental investigations disclose the quantitative measurements of the steady-state flow parameters which have not so far been reported, and this data can also be used by the theoretical CFD modelers for their simulation data validation.
Wire Mesh Sensor, Pressure Transducers, Spargers, Void Fraction, Expanded Height, Superficial Gas Velocity, Bubble column, Reactor, Two-Phase Flow, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering
City University of New York - City College
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