Flow field of liquid slug in Taylor flow for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis hydrodynamic conditions: Micro PIV and reaction study

Considering the limited oil sources of our country, to establish necassary knowledge to desing a Fischer Tropsch reactor of multi-channels that can utilize synthesis gas obtained from any source, single channel hydrodynamics and reaction studies were performed. The hydrodynamic studies were conducted in 3 channels having different feed designs(L,Y,T) with fluids of Hydrogen,Carbon Monoxide and n-Olefin. For all of the channels, the conditions forming Taylor Flow regime was depicted, empirical equations related to bubble and slug lenght and velocities were established. The mixing in liquid slugs were analyzed by Particle Image Velocimetry system, and it was found out that, for the given conditions the slug has laminar flow having no eddies. It was concluded that the vertex formation in the the slug was dictated by the bubble and slug length and velocities, and channel diameter, but feeding strategy had no effect. Since there was no observed vortex formation for the given conditions, the FT reaction studies were carried out in a 3mm channel (2,43 ml volume). The reactions were conducted by 3 different strategies: Steady flow, time interrupted flow where the flow is not manipulated, and time interrupted flow where the flow is manipulated. The results showed that the steady flow and time interrupted flow where the flow is not manipulated produced same products but with different yields, whereas the time interrupted flow where the flow is manipulated, produced more variety of hydrocarbons and with higher yield.