Enhanced voidage correlations for packed beds of various particle shapes and sizes

Mean voidage in packed beds of spherical, cylindrical, and nonconventional cylindrical particles has been accurately measured, and the data obtained were employed to develop predictive mean voidage correlations that were not only simpler to use and more accurate than existing correlations, but also helped in developing a single general voidage correlation incorporating a particle shape factor applicable to a variety of particle shapes. Such mean voidage correlations are highly sought in packed bed design for a multitude of applications and can also assist in minimizing pressure drop in such packed beds by guiding particle shape selection.