EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE LIQUID SOLID MASS-TRANSFER AT THE WALL OF A TRICKLE-BED REACTOR - INFLUENCE OF SCHMIDT NUMBER/

In this paper, an experimental study of liquid/solid mass transfer at the wall of a trickle-bed reactor is presented. Three observed flow re gimes were mainly analysed: trickling, pulsing and dispersed flows. Th e pressure drops in the trickling flow regime were interpreted by mean s of relative permeabilities approach. New mass transfer correlations are proposed in each of the flow regimes. A statistical analysis showe d that all the parameters involved in these correlations were determin ed very accurately. The influence of Schmidt number was particularly i nvestigated. It was found, through a qualitative analysis, that the ex perimental results were consistent with the theory of laminar boundary layer over a plane plate. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.