Experimental investigation of gas–liquid distribution in monolith reactors

The present work investigates the influence of gas and liquid flow rates on inlet liquid distribution across monoliths operating in gas–liquid cocurrent downflow mode. Gas and liquid superficial velocities range from 0 to 68 and 1.4 to 8.5 cm/s, respectively. Gas–liquid distribution was studied using a packed bed liquid distributor and a 12in pipe distributor for the aforementioned range of operating conditions. To determine the liquid distribution over the monolith, gravimetric, time-averaged liquid collection method was applied using a customized collector apparatus. Quantification of the distribution is reported using a suitably defined maldistribution factor. For each liquid velocity, gas velocities are varied and corresponding maldistribution factors are calculated. The results are reported in view of the varying operating conditions.