Transient Heat Transfer in a Packed-Bed Elliptic Cylindrical Reactor: A Finite-Volume Approach

Abstract

This work aims to develop a transient three-dimensional mathematical model using the elliptic cylindrical coordinate system, to predict heat transfer in a elliptic cylindrical packed fixed bed reactor. The model considers variable thermo physical properties and a parabolic temperature profile at the fluid inlet. The governing equation is solved using the finite volume method. Results of temperature profile along the reactor are presented and discussed at different moments.It was verified that the maximum heat transfer rate inside the reactor occurs near the extreme region close to minor semi-axis of the ellipse; the higher temperatures at the reactor surface are also in this region, along the entire height of the bed; the steady-state regime is reached at t = 4.5 s of process, presenting after this time interval,small axial temperature gradients and high radial gradients along of the reactor bed; the parabolic temperature profile give to the bed a predominance of radial temperature gradients, and the radial porosity profile favours a higher heat transfer rate at reactor surface.