Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer Behavior in Spouted Bed Reactors under Different Operating Conditions

Abstract

Spouted bed reactors (SBRs) are highly valued for their effectiveness in chemical and biochemical processes due to their mixing and heat transfer capabilities. Understanding the heat transfer mechanisms in these reactors is necessary. This research delves into the heat transfer behavior of SBRs, which plays a role in enhancing their performance under operational conditions. The study conducted experiments to measure the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) at varying gas velocities (ranging from 0.32 to 0.74 m/s) at radial positions (r/R = 0, ±0.28, ±0.56, and ±0.85) and axial levels (H/D = 0.8, 2.1, and 3.5) within the spouted bed (SB) column using a technique, for the assessment of local heat transfer coefficients (LHTCs). The results we obtained revealed the velocity of the gas, its radial position in the reactor, and its axial height. For instance, higher gas speeds led to heat transfer efficiency and variations in radial positions highlighted how the reactor’s shape influences heat transfer dynamics. It’s worth noting that increasing the gas speed from the lowest to the level tested resulted in a 25% increase in heat transfer coefficients. These discoveries provide insights for improving the design and performance of SBRs with ranging applications in industries that rely on effective heat transfer processes.