Date of Award
1983
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MSChE)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
Harold N. Knickle
Abstract
Gas holdup, bubble size and specific interfacial area studies were made in a 33cm inside diameter bubble column with air-carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution as the system. Experiments were performed with a fixed porous plate gas distributor by varying superficial gas velocity The flow patterns of interest were bubble and bubble-slug patterns. Gas holdup data was obtained by the bed expansion method and bubble size distribution by taking photographs with a boroscope at different radial and axial positions.
Gas holdup decreased with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) concentration and exhibits a maximum with superficial gas velocity. This maximum also diminishes with gas CMC concentration.
Bubble size measured by the horoscope is smaller near the walls and reaches its maximum at R/2. The bubble size increases when either CMC concentration or superficial gas velocity is increased. There is no substantial variation of bubble size in the axial direction for the lower portion of the column. A maximum for total interfacial area was found for all the solutions with the exception of the higher concentrations. This maximum was found in the bubble-slug pattern near the transition from bubble to bubble-slug pattern. Operation under this condition is recommended.
Recommended Citation
Trigueros, Carlos E., "Interfacial Area Analysis of a Non-Newtonian Liquid and Air Flowing Cocurrently up in a Bubble Column" (1983). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 1507.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/1507
Terms of Use
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