51b Local Instrumentation for the Investigation of Multiphase Parameters in a Packed Bed

Shripad T. Revankar, Hayden Olenik, and Daeseong Jo. School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University, 400 Central Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Local two point conductivity probe and film thickness probes were developed for measurement of two-phase flow parameters in a packed bed containing spherical packing. The probes were calibrated and installed in a packed bed with minimal flow disturbance. A flush and two parallel wire film thickness probes were used to measure the liquid film thickness on the packing. The conductivity probe was used to measure the local interface area concentration and local void fraction. The probe signal was also used to identify the flow regimes such as trickle, pulsing, bubbly and transitional flows. Data on local void fraction, interfacial area concentration, film thickness were obtained for trickle, pulse and bubbly flow.