Bubble columns staged with structured fibrous catalytic layers: Residence time distribution and mass transfer

A new reactor concept for catalyzed three-phase reactions based on the use of woven fibrous materials for bubble columns is suggested. In comparison to conventional multistage bubble columns, the trays are made from woven fibrous catalytic layers. The hydrodynamic parameters such as the residence time distribution (RTD) and the volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient k(L)a are investigated in an air/water system for different layer structures and different superficial gas (u(g0) < 60 cm/s) and liquid (u(10) < 6 cm/s) velocities. The major reactor design parameters, such as the thread diameter D, the distance between the woven threads w, and the distance between the fibrous layers b, are discussed.