Gas entrainment and holdup characteristics in a modified gas–liquid–solid down flow three-phase contactor

Gas entrainment and gas holdup characteristics have been studied in a modified downflow slurry liquid jet three-phase contactor. The effect of operating variables such as slurry liquid jet velocity, separator pressure, gas velocity and the concentration of solid on gas entrainment rate and gas holdup are investigated. Gas holdup data are analyzed by slip velocity model. Dimensionless correlations have also been developed to predict the gas entrainment rate and gas holdup by dimensional analysis. This study may be helpful for further understanding and developing the three-phase reactor for industrial application. The gas–liquid–solid three-phase contactors are widely recommended as a suitable solution of the process demands for a large rate of interfacial mass transfer due to efficient homogenization of their content. Present work reports the gas entrainment and holdup characteristics of a modified three-phase contactor. A typical result of gas entrainment in the modified contactor is shown in the following figure. [Display omitted] ► Efficient gas entrainment characteristics in the modified three-phase contactor. ► The modified contactor shows higher gas holdup compared to other conventional systems. ► The gas holdup data were analyzed by slip velocity model. ► Analysis of energy efficiency of the modified contactor. ► Correlations developed for gas holdup, entrainment and minimum required energy.