Gas–liquid mass transfer in three‐phase inverse fluidized bed reactor with Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids

Liquid‐phase volumetric mass transfer coefficients, k L a were determined in three‐phase inverse fluidized beds of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) spheres fluidized by a countercurrent flow of air and Newtonian (water and glycerol solutions) or non‐Newtonian liquids [carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) solutions]. The effects of liquid and gas velocities, particle size, solid loading and addition of organic additives (glycerol and CMC) on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, k L a were determined. The superficial liquid velocity had a weak effect on the mass transfer whereas the gas flow rate affected the mass transfer positively. k L a increased with increase in particle diameter and decreased with increase in initial bed height (solid loading). k L a decreased as the concentration of glycerol (viscosity) and CMC increased. Empirical correlations are presented to predict the gas–liquid volumetric mass transfer coefficient in terms of operating variables. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.