A simple method for regime identification and flow characterisation in bubble columns and airlift reactors

A new diagnosis method for regime identification in bubble columns and airlift reactors based on a theoretical analysis of the auto-correlation function (ACF) of wall pressure fluctuations is proposed. It yields quantitative information, such as a characteristic time and a characteristic frequency of the two-phase flow, which are closely related to the flow structure in the prevailing regime. This method is shown to be simple, low-cost, reliable and efficient and has been applied successfully to a bubble column and an external loop airlift reactor. Experimental data on both reactors are shown to be in good agreement with theoretically predicted values. The order of magnitude of the characteristic time can be used for regime identification. Combined with an analysis of the cross-correlation function (CCF) of two signals recorded simultaneously, the method is also able to yield an estimate of the axial dimension of the flow structures. This analysis is, therefore, promising for regime identification and flow structure characterisation in industrial equipment.