Liq. flow rate required to fluidise solid, e.g. in reactor - for catalytic reaction, is reduced, with energy saving, by adding gas stream

摘要

In mobilising the solid particles in a solid/liq. mixt., the liq. flow rate required is reduced by adding a gas stream. Having determined the min. flow rate (cu. m/sq. m of section x s) of liq. alone for agitation of the particles, the liq. flow is reduced to 10-90% of this rate, and a gas flow, at a rate 5-80% of that of the liq. in the same units, is added. The gas may or may not be a reactant. Used for mobilising solid reactants or catalysts in aq. solns. or organic liquids, esp. by fluid upflow in a bubbling bed reactor and in treatment (e.g. hydrotreatment) of hydrocarbon liquids. The height of a reactor may be reduced by a factor 0.1-0.9; there is a diminution of about 0.1-0.9 in the capacity of the liq. pumps required, and in the energy consumed; and operating flexibility is increased.