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Fluid Dynamic Studies in Support of an Industrial Three‐Phase Fluidized Bed Hydroprocessor
Author(s) -
McKnight Craig A.,
Hackman Larry P.,
Grace John R.,
Macchi Arturo,
Kiel Darwin,
Tyler Jonathan
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450810302
Subject(s) - freeboard , distributor , mixing (physics) , computational fluid dynamics , fluidized bed , materials science , residence time distribution , mechanics , flow (mathematics) , dispersion (optics) , similitude , multiphase flow , petroleum engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering , waste management , thermodynamics , physics , optics , quantum mechanics
Reducing gas hold‐up has been identified as a key objective to improve the performance of Syncrude's LC‐Finer SM unit. Redesign of the liquid recycle pan in the freeboard region, aided by multiphase CFD simulation and tests in a kerosene cold model experimental system, led to reduced gas hold‐ups. The addition of an anti‐foam agent did not provide any improvement. Cold‐flow dimensional similitude tests demonstrated the importance of gas density, distributor geometry, and interfacial phenomena. Grid redesign was undertaken to diminish swirl and provide improved radial distribution of gas. Dispersion tests indicate favourable catalyst mixing in the reactors.