Gas holdup in pulp fibre suspensions: Gas voidage profiles in a batch-operated sparged tower

Abstract

Abstract Gas holdup in a semi-batch operated slurry (pulp fibre suspension) bubble column was investigated for two pulp types (softwood and hardwood kraft pulps) over a range of suspension mass concentrations ( C m =0–9% by mass) and superficial gas velocities ( U g =0.0027–0.027 m/s). Three techniques were used: height difference between gassed and ungassed operation; pressure difference as a function column height; and electrical resistance tomography (ERT). Depending on the technique used the average, axial and radial holdup profiles could be determined. In the pulp suspensions, the ERT determined gas holdups correlated well with those determined using the differential height method. In water, the ERT determined gas holdups were significantly lower, but the agreement was significantly improved by increasing the background conductivity by adding 1 g/L salt to the water. This, however, reduced the overall gas holdup due to the effect of the electrolyte on bubble coalescence. Other differences between the three measurement techniques were attributed to limitations in the detection methods and the averaging procedures used to compare results. The presence of pulp fibres reduced gas-holdup at all gas flow rates and suspension concentrations studied and is attributed to increased bubble coalescence which increases bubble size and consequently bubble rise velocity through the suspension. Gas holdup (as determined by ERT) increased with column height. The radial gas profiles were non-uniform and more peaked than the corresponding water profiles. At low suspension concentrations this was attributed to asymmetric suspension recirculation within the column. As suspension concentration increased, channels formed in the suspension with the average void fraction leveling off to a plateau.