Modelling of the liquid distribution in a trickle flow packed column basedupon X-ray tomography images

X-ray tomography is used to characterise the liquid distribution in a 0.6 m eter diameter and 2 meter height column filled with gas-liquid absorption p olypropylene packing elements (Cascade Mini-Ring 1A, Glitsch Benelux). The liquid holdup distribution is determined for liquid flowrates ranging from 1000 l/h to 6000 l/h, that correspond to superficial velocities ranging fro m 10(-3) to 6 10(-3) m/s, in several cross sections situated at different h eights in the packed column. A characteristic length, corresponding to the smallest scale beyond which t he packing properties may be supposed statistically homogenous and isotropi c, as determined by Means of the autocorrelation function method applied to the images of the solid distribution. Both local and global liquid holdup measurements are satisfactorily modelle d by means of a partial wetting model based on a probabilistic approach.