Experiemental Studies of Intra-Particle Forced Convection in Large-Pore Materials

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

9311457 Hsu Large-pore materials have been used in many chemical engineering applications such as catalysis, chromatography, ceramic membranes, adsorption and immobilized cell fermentation. In each case, the effectiveness of the material is believed to be enhanced by intraparticle forced convection which improves the intraparticle mass transfer. Several investigators have presented models of this phenomenon which are intended to provide methods of predicting the performance of these materials under various operating conditions. However, all of the models rely on theoretical estimates of the intraparticle velocity in determining the mass transfer rates without providing experimental confirmation. This project seeks to measure the intraparticle velocity versus pressure drop relationship using a unique particle flow apparatus. Analysis of the results will provide a quantitative measure of Darcy's constant for the particle. This constant can then be used in any pressure gradient field, including packed and fluidized beds, to determine the corresponding intraparticle fluid flow field. Knowledge of this field will allow for the development of a more comprehensive model of intraparticle mass transfer which includes both diffusion and convection. Such a model should be applicable to any type of process which uses the large-pore materials and therefore can be used to determine their optimum operating conditions. ***