Liquid holdup in rotating packed beds: Examination of the film flow assumption

Abstract Possibilities of predicting liquid holdup in rotating packed beds are examined using the film flow theory. A hydrodynamic model based on film flow on the particle scale accommodates both laminar and turbulent films in the entry and developed regime. Conductance measurement was used for experimental determination of liquid holdup and estimation of the degree of anisotropy of liquid distribution. Experimental results represent the first data for liquid holdup in the rotating packed bed as a function of operating conditions and liquid properties. They indicate an anisotropic liquid distribution dependent on the operating variables. While the film model can be fitted to the experimental data, such a fit lacks a theoretical basis and the classical theory of film flow on the particle scale cannot explain the liquid flow in rotating packed beds. An empirical expression correlates well the holdup data with the operating parameters.