Liquid circulation velocity in the inverse fluidized bed airlift reactor

Results of the investigations of the liquid circulation velocity in the external loop airlift reactor with the fluidized bed in the downcomer are reported. Densities of solid particles are much lower than the liquid density. It is found that the curve of the liquid circulation velocity dependence on the gas flow rate consists of two different parts. A slow linear increase of the liquid circulation velocity is observed if the gas velocity is lower than the minimum fluidization velocity. An exponential course of the liquid circulation velocity curve is observed if the gas flow rate exceeds the minimum fluidization velocity. A theoretical equation for the prediction of liquid circulation velocity for gas velocities higher than the minimum fluidization velocity is presented.