Slurry bubble column measurements using advanced electrical capacitance volume tomography sensors

Abstract

A novel approach to studying dynamic three phase systems using Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) is proposed and verified against previously published pressure gauge techniques and hydrodynamics patterns. In this three-phase study, hold up of water, glass beads, and air are measured simultaneously in a slurry bubble column reactor. Application of ECVT to investigate three phase systems holds several advantages over pressure gauges including the ability to deliver non-invasive real time direct measurements without making assumptions about the hydrodynamics. Results support the conclusion that ECVT can be used in place of pressure gauges to obtain accurate holdup measurements of three-phase flow systems in real time applications. The holdup of each phase inside of a three-phase slurry bubble column were measured using pressure sensors and an ECVT sensor. The results suggest that ECVT can be used in place of pressure sensors to obtain accurate holdup measurements of three-phase flows in real time. • Pressure and ECVT phase holdup measurements closely match. • ECVT reconstructed solid holdup images used to analyze bed expansion and contraction. • Solids and gas holdup measurements reflect hydrodynamic principles. • ECVT presents a valid replacement for pressure measurements in three-phase flows.