chemical reaction engineering laboratory bubble and slurry columns

CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Bubble and Slurry columns

Bubble Column Reactors

Hydrodynamics Hydrodynamics of High Pressure Bubble Column Slurry Reactor

Combination of two single modal tomographic techniques for three dynamic phase flow imaging

Flow Regime Transition

Evaluation of CT for regime identification

New technique and its ‘flow regime identifiers’ developed and demonstrated Scale-up

A new hypothesis proposed

Hydrodynamics Flow Regime Transition Scale-up

Experiments ANN Modeling

Ashfaq Shaikh and M. H. Al-Dahhan

Flow Visualization in Slurry Bubble Column Reactors using Dual Modal Tomography : Combination of CT and ECT

Single modal tomographic techniques can not be applied

Three dynamic phase systems

Available signal information is function of more than one parameter

Combining two single modal techniques

Using inherently multimodal technique

Improving reconstruction procedure of single modal technique

(Ultrasonic Tomography)

Discrepancy in key assumptions

Assumptions need to be evaluated

Computed Tomography

Electrical CapacitanceTomography

Characterization of Hydrodynamic Flow regime in Bubble Column via Computed Tomography

Homogeneous/Bubbly Flow

Heterogeneous/Churn-turbulent Flow

Different hydrodynamic characteristics

Explored the potential of CT for flow regime delineation in bubble column

Evaluated the developed approach with traditional methods such as Drift Flux method

Investigated the effect of operating pressure on flow regime transition

A New Methodology for Scale-up of Bubble Column Reactors

Global ParametersA new hypothesis for hydrodynamic similarity proposed

Experimental evaluation (CARPT, CT)

ANN correlations for a priori prediction (Hydrodynamic parameters)

CFDLack of universal closures

Phenomenological approach

Reported scaleup procedures

Ideal choice

Similarity of global parameter is not enough to ensure similar mixing

L+L+S

GG GG

L+L+SS

bubblybubblyhomogeneoushomogeneous

flow regimeflow regime

churn-turbulentchurn-turbulentheterogeneousheterogeneous

flow regimeflow regime

G – ReactantG – ReactantL – Reactant and/or L – Reactant and/or ProductProductS – CatalystS – Catalyst

Slurry Bubble Column ReactorsSlurry Bubble Column Reactors

• Vertical cylindrical vessels, 3-phase G-L-S systemsVertical cylindrical vessels, 3-phase G-L-S systems

• Simple to constructSimple to construct

• Exhibit excellent heat and mass transfer Exhibit excellent heat and mass transfer characteristicscharacteristics

Applications:Applications:– Fischer-Tropsch (FT) SynthesisFischer-Tropsch (FT) Synthesis– Methanol synthesisMethanol synthesis– Oxidation and hydrogenationOxidation and hydrogenation– Chlorination and alkylation, polymerizationChlorination and alkylation, polymerization– Waste water treatmentWaste water treatment– Bio and biochemical processesBio and biochemical processes

Hydrodynamics and Mixing in Slurry Bubble Column: Hydrodynamics and Mixing in Slurry Bubble Column: Experimentation at Mimic Fischer-Tropsch Conditions using CARPT and CT Techniques.Experimentation at Mimic Fischer-Tropsch Conditions using CARPT and CT Techniques.

Lu Han, Chengtian Wu, Muthanna Al-DahhanLu Han, Chengtian Wu, Muthanna Al-Dahhan

Computed Tomography (CT)Computed Tomography (CT)

Computer Automated Radioactive Particle Tracking (CARPT)Computer Automated Radioactive Particle Tracking (CARPT)

Schematic of the CT SetupSchematic of the CT Setup

Schematic of the CARPT SetupSchematic of the CARPT SetupTrajectories of the tracer particleTrajectories of the tracer particle

and 2-D velocity vector mapand 2-D velocity vector mapHoldup visualization example - Air-Water-GlassbeadsHoldup visualization example - Air-Water-Glassbeads

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

-8 -4 0 4 8

r, cm

z, cm

Light from the blue LED going to the probe Light from the blue LED going to the probe tiptip

Sol-GelSol-Gel

Collected fluorescence going to the Collected fluorescence going to the spectrometerspectrometer

OvercoatOvercoat

Optical Oxygen ProbeOptical Oxygen Probe

Comparison of Data Fitting Using CSTR and Comparison of Data Fitting Using CSTR and ADM modelsADM models

Air-water, 0.1MPa, ug=0.12m/s, z/L=0.8Air-water, 0.1MPa, ug=0.12m/s, z/L=0.8

0

0. 2

0. 4

0. 6

0. 8

1

1. 2

0 20 40 60 80

t, s

C/C* Exp.

ADM Fi t t i ngCSTR Fi tti ng

Gas Tracer Response Fitting Gas Tracer Response Fitting with ADM Model air-water, with ADM Model air-water,

0.1MPa, SGV 2cm/s0.1MPa, SGV 2cm/s

0

0. 2

0. 4

0. 6

0. 8

1

1. 2

0 10 20 30 40

t, s

Norm

aliz

ed C

T

He TracerResp.ADM Fi t t i ng

Mass Transfer and Gas Mixing in High Pressure Slurry Bubble Column:Mass Transfer and Gas Mixing in High Pressure Slurry Bubble Column:

Experimentation using Oxygen Optical Probe and Gaseous Tracer TechniqueExperimentation using Oxygen Optical Probe and Gaseous Tracer Technique Lu Han, Muthanna Al-DahhanLu Han, Muthanna Al-Dahhan

Probe TipProbe Tip

Optical oxygen probe systemOptical oxygen probe system

O2

O2

O2

Sol-GelSol-Gel475 nm 475 nm

600 nm 600 nm

O2

O2

Fluorescence quenching mechanismFluorescence quenching mechanism

Gaseous Tracer Technique:Gaseous Tracer Technique:

measures gas phase back-mixing;measures gas phase back-mixing;

G-L mass transfer coefficient of different G-L mass transfer coefficient of different gases.gases.

Optical Oxygen Probe:Optical Oxygen Probe:

measures dissolved oxygen concentration;measures dissolved oxygen concentration;

G-L mass transfer coefficient of oxygenG-L mass transfer coefficient of oxygen

Schematic of SetupSchematic of Setup

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

ug, m/s

Dg,

m2 /s

This work Towell et al. (1972)-dc0.406mField et al. (1980)-dc3.2m Mangartz et al. (1981)-dc0.1mJoseph et al. (1984)-dc0.305m Kago et al. (1989)-dc0.12mWachi et al. (1990)-dc0.2m Shetty et al. (1992)-dc0.25mKantak et al. (1995)-dc0.25m


Chengtian Wu, Muthanna Al-Dahhan

Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurementin Air-Water Bubble Column

1

2

3

4

5

7

6

8

Air

1: filter; 2: rotameters; 3: high pressure bubble column; 4: heat transfer probe; 5: thermocouple probe; 6: amplifier; 7: DC power; 8: DAQ system.

0.8

0.84

0.88

0.92

0.96

1

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1r/R

norm

aliz

ed h

eat t

rans

fer

coef

fici

ent

1bar-3cm/s

1bar-30cm/s

10bar-3cm/s

10bar-30cm/s

Radial profile of normalized heat transfer coefficient in the fully developed region of a bubble column

The instantaneous heat transfer coefficient(hi):

hi=Qi / (TSi—Tbi)

• The heat transfer probe measures the instantaneous local heat flux(Qi) and the surface temperature(Tsi) of the probe.

• Three thermocouples are used to measure the bulk temperature(Tbi).


Circulating Fluidized Beds/ Mini Packed bed reactor

Modeling of Vaporization & Cracking of Liquid Oil Injected in a Gas-Solid Riser

Subramanya V. Nayak, Saket L. Joshi and Vivek V. Ranade*

Yield & Performance Droplet Atomization Catalyst Coking Thermolysis Catalyst To Oil Ratio Catalyst Inlet Temperature Coke on Regenerated Catalyst

Reactor

Riser

Products to Fractionator

Regenerator

Spent Gases

Air

Feed

Steam

Regenerated Catalyst

Spent CatalystRegenerator

Schematic diagram of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU)

ObjectivesTo develop a computational model that

can identify the factor affecting the

Vaporizing process & Reaction kinetics

CFD Model of RiserGas/Solid hydrodynamicsSolid HoldupVelocity, Concentration & Temperature Profiles

Evaporating Model Droplet VaporizationAtomization of OilEffect of Solid & Vapor Effusion

Riser Reactor ModelComplex chemistry Lumped kinetics Catalyst Deactivation

Present Contribution


Experiments and Mathematical Modeling to Study Effective Diffusivity & Break-Through Curves for Alkylation ProcessesSubramanya V. Nayak, Milorad P. Dudukovic, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

tt

E

C

t

t

C

ObjectivesEstimating transport parameters like effective diffusivities and

adsorption/desorption isotherms by performing dynamic tracer study on packed bed and autoclave reactor

Experiments Mathematical Models

Methodology


Trickle Bed/ Measurement Techniques


Trickle-Bed Reactors – Experimental and Computation Investigations

Zeljko V. Kuzeljevic, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan and Milorad P. Dudukovic

Experimental Investigation

Gamma-ray Tomography

• Porosity distribution (develop suitable correlations needed as input to CFD)

• Cross-sectional gas and liquid distribution along the bed

Collector system

• Measure liquid and gas fluxes distribution at the bottom of the column

2D bed:

• Relate to capillary closure

Computation Investigation

CFD modeling

• TBR cell model implementation

• Closures (development and evaluation)

Reduced Gamma – Ray Tomography for Industrial Application

Zeljko Kuzeljevic, Rajneesh Varma Advisors: Dr. Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Dr. Milorad P. Dudukovic

• The overall objective is to assess the effectiveness of the reduced gamma ray computed tomography for industrial process applications • Evaluation of reduced tomography can be performed by:

- Theoretical considerations of reconstruction algorithm- Simulations- Experimental investigations

• Based on simulations performed we concluded:

- Reduction in number of pixels in reconstruction image is needed

- Maximizing average number of rays that cross pixel is needed

17

Liquid Maldistribution in Trickle-Bed Reactors at Elevated Pressure

Pierre-Yves Lanfrey (July 2005 – October 2006)

TOTAL advisors: Pr. Philippe Tanguy, Jacques Bousquet and Nicolas Dromard.

CREL advisors: Pr. Milorad Dudukovic and Muthanna Al-Dahhan.

Operating conditions:- real catalyst (porous cylindrical particles),- 10 bar with pre-wetted beds,- uniform gas-liquid distributor,- air-water and air-oil systems.

Study of the phase distribution by: - gamma-ray Computed Tomography (CT), - fluids outlet collection.

CREL ANNUAL MEET 2005Hydrodynamics in Trickle Bed Reactors: Experiments and CFD

ModelingP. R. Gunjal, V.V. Ranade and R. V. Chaudhari

National Chemical Laboratory Pune India

Trickle Bed Reactors

Wide Applications• Hydrodesulfurizations•

Hydrocracking/hydrotreating

• Hydrogenations• Waste water treatment

Key Characteristics• Close to plug flow/ Low liquid hold-

up• Suitable for slow reactions• Poor heat transfer• maldistribution and Difficult to scale-

up

Key Issues• Multi-scale Transport Processes• Bed Characteristics• Wetting Efficiencies• Flow Regimes• Hydrodynamic Parameters

Experimental

Measurements• Pressure Drop

• Liquid Hold-up

• RTD

• Wall Pressure Fluctuations

Computational Model

• Multi-Fluid Model

• Hetrogeneous Bed Definition

• Inter-phase Closures

• Capillary Pressure Terms

s

c

Convection + Radiation

Crystal Pull Velocity

Convection + Radiation

Natural Convectio

n

Melt

Crystal

CREL ANNUAL MEET 2005

Modeling of the Czochralski Crystal GrowthP. R. Gunjal, Milind Kulkarni and P. A. Ramachandran

Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory, Chemical Engineering DivisionWashington University at St Louis, MO, 63112

MEMC Electronics Inc. St Peters, MO 63376

Objectives

• Role of Fluid Dynamics on Transport Phenomenon

• Effect of Turbulence

• Interface Tracking

Problem Complexities

• Phase Transformation

• Multiple Driving Forces

• Flow Instabilities

• Multi-parameter Process

Computational Model

• 2D and 3D Flow Simulations

• k- model for Turbulence

• Boussinesq Approximation

• Mushy Zone Model for Interface

Cz Crystal Growth Process

Operating Parameters

• Re=1-3x105

Ro=10

• Pr=0.01Ek=0.002

• Gr=5x1010 Ra=1-5x108


Packed bed/Mixed tanks

A B C D

-ΔH

+ΔH

Adiabatic Reactor (De Groote et. al. 1996, De Smet et. al. 2001, Hohn and Schmidt 2001, Ramaswamy et al. 2005)

EndothermicExothermic

Counter Current Reactor (Frauhammer et. al. 1999, Veser et. al. 2001, Kolios et. al. 2001, Kolios et. al. 2002, Ramaswamy et al. 2006)

ExothermicEndothermic

Reverse Flow Reactor

( Kulkarni and Dudukovic 1996, Kolios et. al. 2000)

EndothermicExothermic

Co-Current Reactor (Ismagilov et. al. 2001, Kolios et. al. 2002, Zanfir et. al. 2003, Ramaswamy et al. 2006)

Exothermic Reaction

Endothermic Reaction

Heat

Reactor Models for Coupling Exothermic and Endothermic ReactionsR C Ramaswamy, P A Ramachandran and M P Duduković

Recuperative Coupling

Direct Coupling

Regenerative Coupling

Synthesis Gas (mixture of H2 and CO) (Pena et. al. 1996)

– Feed stock for synthesis of liquid fuels, methanol – Source of hydrogen for fuel cells– Feed stock for ammonia plant, hydrogenation plant etc

MolkJHHCOOHCO

MolkJHHCOOHCH

MolkJHHCOOHCH

MolkJHOHCOOCH

K

K

K

K

/37,)4(

/185,42)3(

/222,3)2(

/800,22)1(

773222

7732224

773224

7732224

Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas

Modeling of Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas in Short Contact Time Packed Bed Reactor R C Ramaswamy, P A Ramachandran, M P Duduković

CH4 & O2

(2:1)

Tin ~700 K

H2/CO ~ 2

CO2 & H2O

Texit ~ 1300 K

Partial Oxidation (Exo) &

Steam Reforming (Endo)

High Active Catalysts (Rh)

Short Contact Time Reactors

(4-15 milli seconds)Hohn & Schmidt, 2001

Steam Addition

Wrong-Way Behavior

Modeling of Solid Acid Catalyzed Alkylation ReactorsR C Ramaswamy, P A Ramachandran and M P Duduković

Alkylation

Lighter Paraffins to Octane (LPG to gasoline), Linear Alkyl Benzene •Currently hazardous liquid acid catalysts are used •Substitution by solid acid catalysts is environmentally beneficial


Catalyst deactivation Catalyst leaching Catalyst instability Unacceptable activity

Low selectivity Low acid capacity High cost Optimal reactor configurations

Current Challenges

Catalyst Particle level Model

Reactor level ModelFilm Transport

Diffusion, Reaction,Deactivation

Residence Time Distribution

Modeling Approach

CFD-BASED COMPARTMENTAL MIXING MODEL FOR STIRRED TANK

REACTORSDebangshu Guha, M.P. Duduković and P.A. Ramachandran

Mixing affects reactor performance when time scale of some reactions are small

compared to time scale of mixing Turbulent mixing in stirred tanks take place mainly by

- Convection (bulk flow generated by impeller rotation)

- Turbulent Dispersion (fluctuations due to turbulence) Flow field needs to be accounted for properly predicting reactor performance

Methodology: Compartmental Approach – Divides the reactor into number of inter-connected

well-mixed compartments Incorporation of mean flow and turbulent parameters from complete CFD simulation

Results: Mixing effect on reactor performance for multiple reactions Effect of different feed locations captured


Processes and mini and micro reactors

Catalytic Oxidation of CyclohexaneR. Jevtic, K.C. Ruthiya, P.A. Ramachandran, R. Jevtic, K.C. Ruthiya, P.A. Ramachandran,

M. Al-Dahhan, M.P. DudukovicM. Al-Dahhan, M.P. Dudukovic

ModelingPerformance of the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane is poorly understood in terms of reaction kinetics, transport parameters, and high pressure of oxygen.

Mixing cell reactor model including mass and heat transfer combined with boundary layer film model is developed.

Liquid Gas Liquid Gas

Cell 1

Cell N

Cell j


Cell 1

Cell N

Cell j

Liquid Gas

Cell 1

Cell N

Cell j


Cell 1

Cell N

Cell j


Cell 1

Cell N

Cell j

Liquid Gas

Cell 1

Cell N

Cell j

Feeding Section Reactor Analysis

ExperimentalS.S. reactor, L~30 m, D=0.762 mm

Goal• Determine reaction operating window (P, T, pO2, Ccat) for max. conversion with high selectivity. • Examine the effect of supercritical CO2.Measurement techniques/ Bioreactors and Bioprocesses Engineering Laboratory (BBEL)

The Integrated Struvite-CANON SystemFan Mei, Sarah Dryden, Biplab Mukherjee, Lars T. Angenent

Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory

Objectives:Design a technology to reduce nitrogen concentration from anaerobic sludge digestion centrate at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) wastewater facilities.

Study the effects of Several factors on the system: acceptable effluent concentrations, costs, value-added products, and design stability.

Accomplishments:1. Reduce the effluent nitrogen levels to the allowable limit2. Create a marketable product with revenues that compensate for the cost of

all chemical additives in the process3. Reduce phosphorous levels in the effluent4. Reduce struvite-scaling formation within piping5. Dramatically reduce the amount of required aeration

Modular Microreaction SystemA Powerful Tool for Process Development and Production

Matthias KroschelOlaf Stange

Ehrfeld Mikrotechnik BTS GmbHMikroforum Ring 155234 WendelsheimGermany

Thomas Daszkowski, Eric BoonstraPeter Ryan, Shaibal Roy

Bayer Technology Services, Americas8500 West Baye Road, MS #52, Baytown, TX, 77520, USA

Ph: (281) 383 6000Email: [email protected]

2005-10-06

Benefit of Micro Process Technology

Small characteristic dimensions result in

high temperature gradients

rapid heat exchange

high concentration gradients

rapid mixing

defined flow properties

defined residence times with narrow

distribution

short response time

easy process control and automation

2005-10-06

Modular Microreaction System

Toolbox

• More than 40 different modules like mixers, heat changer, reactors, sensors etc.

• Flexible concept• Easy process control and

automation• Easy Scale-up• For Research and Bulk

Production-----------------------------------------• Operation area

• 0 - 100 bar• -100°C - 200 °C

• Different materials likestainless steel, hastelloy, tantalum

High and low temperature reactions

One- and multi-step homo- and heterogenous reactions

Pilot and Production scale

Applications Examples

• Nitration

• Polymerization

• Precipitation

• Oxidation

• Metal organic reactions

• Emulsification

• Phase transfer reactions

• Photo reaction

• Synthesis of API’s

• etc.

Preparation and Characterization of Supported Catalysts by Atomic Beam Deposition and TAP Reactor Studies

John Gleaves, Gregory Yablonsky, Rebecca Fushimi, Mike Rude, David French, Joe Swisher, Rebecca Weaver

Submonolayer Change in Surface Composition

Physical characterization

Kinetic characterization

RH ROH

Metal OxideParticle

RH ROH

Key Challenges

1. Uniform, precise surface com-position change

2. Kinetic analysis of changes in composition

Inert zones

Catalyst zone

Thin-zone reactorTransition metal source

Catalyst particle

Atomic beamLaser beam

Vibrate bed

Kinetic Characterization

Atomic Beam Deposition


Measurement techniques/ Bioreactors and Bioprocesses Engineering Laboratory (BBEL)

Dual Source Computer Tomography For Dual Source Computer Tomography For Imaging Three Phase SystemImaging Three Phase System

Rajneesh Varma Muthanna Al-DahhanRajneesh Varma Muthanna Al-DahhanCritical Issues related to characterizing the hydrodynamics of multiphase systems– Critical Issues related to characterizing the hydrodynamics of multiphase systems– Hydrodynamic and transport parametersHydrodynamic and transport parameters Phase distribution, phase recirculation, backmixingPhase distribution, phase recirculation, backmixing

Computer tomography helps accomplish characterization of phase distribution in multiphase systems.

Desired Characteristics:

Excellent spatial and temporal resolution in phase distribution Excellent spatial and temporal resolution in phase distribution

Objective studies:Objective studies: Experimental Studies: To develop a DSCT Scanner capable of simultaneously scanning Experimental Studies: To develop a DSCT Scanner capable of simultaneously scanning

a given domain with two gamma ray sources. a given domain with two gamma ray sources. Simulation Studies: To evaluate algorithms for DSCT by generating simulated DSCT Simulation Studies: To evaluate algorithms for DSCT by generating simulated DSCT

attenuation data. To test the feasibility of given pair of gamma ray sourcesattenuation data. To test the feasibility of given pair of gamma ray sources

1st Gamma Ray source

2nd Gamma Ray source

Three phase system (GLS)

Detectors

Histogram comparing the Truth to image reconstructed Histogram comparing the Truth to image reconstructed with data filtered using wavelet transform toolbox with with data filtered using wavelet transform toolbox with

a heuristic thresholding (right)a heuristic thresholding (right)

Radioactive Particle Tracking Studies In Gas Mixed Radioactive Particle Tracking Studies In Gas Mixed Anaerobic BioreactorsAnaerobic Bioreactors

Rajneesh Varma Muthanna Al-DahhanRajneesh Varma Muthanna Al-Dahhan Unsafe and improperly disposed Unsafe and improperly disposed Waste can be used to generate MethaneWaste can be used to generate Methane Gas mixed anaerobic bioreactors are found to be the most Gas mixed anaerobic bioreactors are found to be the most

popular choice for methane generationpopular choice for methane generation Compare the efficiency of ejectors ( single point gas injection Compare the efficiency of ejectors ( single point gas injection

system) versus a sparger ( multiple point gas injections) in system) versus a sparger ( multiple point gas injections) in gas mixed bioreactors.gas mixed bioreactors.

Gas injection pipe (Dia = 5 mm)

38 mm

334

mm

220

mm

150

mm

140 mm

153 mm

26mm 250 Angle

40 mm

Level 1

Level 1

Levels at which the CT scans have been conducted

50m

m

100 mm

mm

Gas Hold up at Level 2Gas Hold up at Level 2Superficial gas velocity =7.35 Superficial gas velocity =7.35 cm/sec (flow rate = 5 lit/min)cm/sec (flow rate = 5 lit/min)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 80

5

10

15

20

25

30

Flow pattern for sparger system with 5% (TS) solid loading slurry. Gad flow rate =3 lit/min

Development of Multiple-Particle Tracking Technique (MP-CARPT)

• Advancing CARPT to next level to track more than one particles simultaneously.

• MP-CARPT unit is developed.

• Validation is in progress for dual-particle tracking.

• After successful validation, MP-CARPT will be implemented on G-L-S airlift loop reactor to track two solids of different physical properties.

Mehul S. Vesvikar and Muthanna Al-Dahhan

Power supplyCanberra 3002D

Photomultiplier TubeBase amplifierCanberra 2007

NaI (T1) crystal+PhotomultiplierBicron 2M2/2-x

2”x2”

ORNL Timing FilterAmplifier

(8 channels)

Multi-level window Discriminator

Scaler(10 MHz)

Bus Interface Logic

Compact PCI crate

PC on a cardUnder windows

AcquisitionProgram C++

Human interfaceMonitor, mousekeyboard, etc.

Scaler(10 MHz)

NIM Bin(crate for power)

Same as previous CARPT setup

NaI readout module developed at ORNL (8 channels per module, needs multiple module)

Converts pulses to logic pulses, sorting them according to energy range (0.7 to 0.9 Mev, 1 to 1.2 MeV, for example)

Counts pulses until read out and reset (1 scalerper energy range)

Reads data from scalers and interfaces to pc

Also allows programming energy window, etc.

Collects data and performs data analysis

Compact PCI backplane

Power supplyCanberra 3002D

Photomultiplier TubeBase amplifierCanberra 2007

NaI (T1) crystal+PhotomultiplierBicron 2M2/2-x

2”x2”

ORNL Timing FilterAmplifier

(8 channels)

Multi-level window Discriminator

Scaler(10 MHz)

Bus Interface Logic

Compact PCI crate

PC on a cardUnder windows

AcquisitionProgram C++

Human interfaceMonitor, mousekeyboard, etc.

Scaler(10 MHz)

NIM Bin(crate for power)

Same as previous CARPT setup

NaI readout module developed at ORNL (8 channels per module, needs multiple module)

Converts pulses to logic pulses, sorting them according to energy range (0.7 to 0.9 Mev, 1 to 1.2 MeV, for example)

Counts pulses until read out and reset (1 scalerper energy range)

Reads data from scalers and interfaces to pc

Also allows programming energy window, etc.

Collects data and performs data analysis

Compact PCI backplane

Flow and Shear Mapping in an Impeller-Mixed Anaerobic Digester

using CARPT

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 80

5

10

15

20

25

radial location (cm)

axial l

ocation

(cm)

Mehul S. Vesvikar and Muthanna Al-Dahhan

Objective:To quantify the flow field and shear stress distribution in an anaerobic digester mixed by mechanical agitation using CARPTFlow pattern

Radial shear stress

Performance Study of a Pilot Scale Anaerobic Digester

• Impact of reactor scale and mixing on the performance of anaerobic digesters.

• Importance of scale of operation in experiments for obtaining reliable results.

Mehul S. Vesvikar, Abhijeet Borole, Thomas Klasson, Khursheed Karim and Muthanna Al-Dahhan

Volumetric Expansion and Phase Transition of Expanded Solvents Using an Optical ProbeSean G. Mueller, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Milorad P. Dudukovic

Optical probes sense changes in indices of refraction

Easily detects changes in phase

Used in bubble columns to determine bubble geometry, velocity, and gas holdup

Goal: Determine how the optical probe can be implemented to quantify volumetric expansion and determine phase transition to the supercritical phase


Multiphase Reactors Modeling

User Friendly Modules for Modeling User Friendly Modules for Modeling Multiphase ReactorsMultiphase Reactors

C. Tunca, S.V. Mehul, R.C. Ramaswamy, A. Shaikh, M.P. Dudukovic, P.A. Ramachandran

A series of user friendly simulation packages have been developed for selected multiphase reactors and specific processes. The simulation packages cover the key concepts in reactor design. One can assess the effect of catalyst parameters, operating conditions, reactor scale-up, etc. on the reactor performance.

The poster presentation will demonstrate alkylation and methanol synthesis process simulations.

Potential new technologies using PI tools

Dr. Radu V. Vladea Bioethanol- Conventional vs. New Process

Biodiesel – Current vs. New ProcessEthoxylation/ Propoxylation - Conventional vs.

New Process

Monoethylene Glycol – Conventional vs. New Process

Bioenergy I: From Concept to Commercial ProcessesMarch 5-10, 2006Tomar, Portugal

Washington University and ECI Present:

Theme I: Bioethanol and butanol production and technical developmentTheme II: Biogas (methane) and biohydrogen processTheme III: Biodiesel and biorefinery integrationTheme IV: Microbial fuel cellsTheme V: Biomass thermal conversion (gasification, pyrolysis, biopower),

syngas, methanolTheme VI: Related environmental issues, policies, economic considerations

(including embodied energy involved in producing bioenergy)

November 1, 2005 Deadline for abstract submissionNovember 30, 2005 Notification of acceptance

Conference Chairs:Dr. Muthanna Al-Dahhan, Professor/Co-Director, Washington UniversityDr. Kevin Hicks, Research Leader, USDADr. Charles A. Abbas, Director, Archer Daniels Midland Company

Website: http://www.engconfintl.org/6aebody.html


Completed Thesis, 2004-2005Solids Flow Mapping in Gas-Solid Risers

-Satish BhusarapuModeling the Fluid Dynamics of Bubble Column Flows

-Peng ChenAnalyzing and Modeling of Airlift Photobioreactors for Microalgal and Cyanobacteria

Cultures

-Hu-Ping Luo Catalytic Wet Oxidation Over Pillared Clay In Packed Bed Reactors: Experiments and

Modeling

-Jing GuoBubble Velocity, Size and Interfacial Area Measurements in Bubble Columns

-Junli XueFlow Distribution and Performance Studies of Gas-Liquid Monolith Reactor

-Shaibal Roy

The effect of shear on the performance and microbial ecology of anaerobic

digesters treating cow manure from dairy farms.

-Rubecca Hoffman

chemical reaction engineering laboratory bubble and slurry columns

Documents

slurry bubble column

flow regime identifiers

flow regime delineation

single modal techniquesusing

similar mixingmass transfer

thermocouple probe

combination of ct

dual modal tomography