Study of the detailed catalyst hydrodynamics using radioactive particle tracking technique in a mimicked Fischer-Tropsch slurry bubble column

Abstract

Slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR) is the preferred choice of reactor for Fischer – Tropsch (FT) synthesis. However, the understanding of the catalyst flow dynamics in FT-SBCR is still lacking. In this work, hydrodynamics of the FT catalyst were studied using computer aided radioactive particle tracking (CARPT) technique at the mimicked conditions of FT synthesis for the first time. Solids ensemble averaged velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, Reynolds normal and shear stresses were experimentally obtained. Effect of operating conditions on the velocity flow field were investigated. Further, studies were conducted to quantify the difference in flow field due to the change in the liquid and solid phases. It was found that the change of solids turbulence is insignificant with pressure and solids loading at the studied operating conditions. Further, it was found that the surface tension of the fluid and the solid properties plays a dominant role on the turbulence.