Prediction of pressure drop for two‐phase, two‐component concurrent flow in packed beds

Abstract

Two‐phase, gas‐liquid concurrent flow in packed beds was investigated with the use of an air‐water system and 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐in. diameter columns packed with tabular alumina particles of 0.025 and 0.027 ft. diameters. Total pressure drop, column operating pressure, and liquid saturation were measured as functions of gas flow rate, fluid temperatures, and flow direction at several constant liquid flow rates for each column.Correlation of the frictional pressure loss was achieved in terms of a defined two‐phase friction factor and a second correlating parameter which is a function of the liquid and gas Reynolds numbers. A viscosity correction factor was required to extend the friction factor correlation to include liquid viscosities widely divergent from that of water.The liquid saturation data for both upward and downward flow were correlated in terms of the ratio of mass flow rates of the respective phases.