Residence time distribution, axial liquid dispersion and dynamic–static liquid mass transfer in trickle flow reactor containing β-SiC open-cell foams

Abstract

Open-cell foams are a promising new support for gas–liquid contacting and heterogeneous catalysis. Using the Piston-Dispersion-Exchange model, axial dispersion and dynamic–static liquid mass transfer coefficient are estimated from residence time distribution responses measured under co-current down flow configuration.The specific morphological parameters and the high porosity involved within open-cell foams result in low Bodenstein numbers (0.05<Bo<0.2 for 2.5<Re<20) in comparison to conventional packed beds (0.2<Bo<0.7 for 5<Re<23). Furthermore, open-cell foam improves liquid mass transfer coefficient between the dynamic and the static zones under trickle flow conditions.