Advanced flow profiler for two-phase flow imaging on distillation trays

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 231; p. 116280
• Main Authors: Vishwakarma, Vineet, Schleicher, Eckhard, Bieberle, André, Schubert, Markus, Hampel, Uwe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15-02-2021
• Subjects: 3D flow imaging; Column tray; Conductivity measurement; Liquid holdup; Tracer dispersion; Two-phase cross-flow; Column tray; Conductivity measurement; Tracer dispersion; 3D flow imaging; Liquid holdup; Two-phase cross-flow
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.116280

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•A new multi-probe flow profiler designed for distillation trays is proposed.•The profiler essentials and data processing techniques are discussed in detail.•3D distribution of liquid holdup above the deck is evaluated in high resolution.•Liquid flow in the two-phase dispersion above the deck is monitored via tracer.•Non-uniform holdup distribution is observed along the dispersion height.•Liquid flow is reasonably uniform with symmetry across the tray centerline.
A profound knowledge of the two-phase cross-flow on large-scale distillation trays is pivotal to their efficient design and operation. For such trays, a novel flow profiler comprising of multiple dual-tip probes for simultaneous local conductivity measurements is proposed in this work. The profiler is applied for a DN800 air/water column simulator equipped with sieve trays. 3D distribution of liquid holdup and tracer-based liquid flow in the two-phase dispersion are assessed in high resolution. Non-uniform holdup is found along the dispersion height. Contrarily, the liquid flow is largely uniform and symmetric with respect to the tray centerline. Prior to measurements, the profiler design, electronic scheme, measurement principle and data processing schemes are described.