Heater probe technique to measure flow maldistribution in large scale trickle bed reactors

Abstract

Novel flow distribution measurement probes were used in a large-scale commercially operating trickle-bed reactor. The probes consist of long heated pipes designed to measure local heat transfer coefficients at multiple points along their length. Local flow rates are correlated with the heat transfer coefficient based on independent laboratory data. The results of our study showed significant point-to-point variation in flow distribution. The pattern of maldistribution would vary with alternate operating conditions of flow rates, temperature, and liquid volatility. Results included an increase in the nonuniformity of flow moving down the reactor in the direction of flow. And severe maldistribution with poor reactor performance occurred at high liquid mass flux.