Effect of coalescence inhibitors on the performance of three-phase inversefluidized-bed columns

Three-phase inverse fluidized beds can be used for wastewater treatment or biochemical reactors. The coalescence inhibitors in the liquid of such reac tors greatly affect the hydrodynamics of three-phase inverse fluidized beds . Their effect can not be predicted from the surface tension or even from t heir behavior in a bubble column. The effect of the inhibitors on the minim um fluidization velocity can be predicted from their effect on gas holdup w ith an adaptation of the model from Zhang, Epstein, Grace and Zhu (Transact ions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, 73 A, 1995, 347-353). (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.