Critical gas velocity in a three-phase internal loop airlift reactor with low-density particles

In the present investigation the effects of the addition of organic additives (propanol, benzoic acid, iso‐amyl alcohol and carboxymethyl cellulose) on the critical gas velocity, (Usg)c, in an internal airlift loop reactor with low‐density particles (Nylon‐6 and polystyrene) were reported. Whereas the (Usg)c was reduced by adding the above additives, it increased with solids loading and density of the particles. The draft tube‐to‐reactor diameter ratio (DE/D) in the range of 0.5–0.6 gave minimum (Usg)c values. The proposed dimensionless correlation predicted the experimental data well. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry