Hydrodynamic Behavior of a Three-Phase Spouted Bed with Very Large Particles

The hydrodynamic behavior of a three-phase spouted bed with large particles of diameter 10.5, 12 and 16mm was studied. Liquid circulation was used to spout the large particles. Experiments were carried out to study the influence of the superficial gas velocity, liquid circulation velocity, particle diameter and settled particle bed height on the minimum liquid spouting velocity, pressure drop and gas holdup. In the spouted regime, liquid circulation and the movement of the large particles enhance bubble breakup and increase the gas holdup. The frequent collision of these large particles with the reactor wall and nozzles are helpful in preventing fouling. This indicates a potential application in gas-liquid systems in which fouling occurs due to deposition and adhesion.