CHE 412 Chemical Engineering Industries

KING KHALID UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Chemical Engineering Industries Lab.

Experiment 1
OBJECTIVE :

►Study the relation between bed height h and porosity ϵ for air flowing vertically upward through
bed of granular material.

►Calculate the average superficial velocity based on empty cross-section.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED :

Fixed and fluidized bed apparatus.

SET UP DIAGRAM
CHE 412 Chemical Engineering Industries

THEORY:

The upward flow of fluid through a bed of particles is a situation encountered both in nature and
in industry. Natural occurrences include the movement of ground water, the movement of crude
petroleum or the movement of natural gas through porous media.

The porosity and bed height are related by the following relation

L1 (1-ϵ1) = L2 (1-ϵ2) --- 1)

Let L1 = Lm, ϵ1 = ϵm = 0.40 = minimum porosity ,

L2 =L, ϵ2 =ϵ
Then equation becomes

L ( 1-ϵ) = Lm (1-ϵm ) ----2)

Average superficial velocity can be calculated as

Vsm (m/s) = Q/A, --- 3 )

Where Q : flow rate m3/s

A :π.d2/4, m2 d= bed diameter = 0.05 m

PROCEDURE:

1. Switch on the water pump.

2. Adjust the water flow rate using the flow meter provided.

3. Record the height of bed using the scale attached with apparatus.

4. Determine the porosity.

CHE 412 Chemical Engineering Industries

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

S.No Bed height L Flow rate Q Porosity Superficial

(mm) (L/min) ϵ velocity v ( m/s)

RESULT AND CONCLUSION:

-Draw porosity ϵ Vs bed height h curve