Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>Multiphase processes (i.e., gas-solid, liquid-solid, gas-solid, and gas-liquid-solid) have been commonly employed in many industries in such areas as chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, energy, pulp and paper, and food. Theses systems can be characterized through the measurements of chemical species composition and phase volume fraction to arrive at the successful control, optimization, and troubleshooting in the industries and laboratories. These two parameters are dependent while coupled through the system hydrodynamics and reaction kinetics. The hydrodynamics of multiphase systems are often characterized by different regions of varying solids concentration and the species composition. In addition, in a reactive system, solids volume fraction influences chemical reaction through heterogeneous catalytic and/or inhibitive effects. In the case of a gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed, the simultaneous measurement of volume fractions of different phases was considered problematic with the help of a single measurement technique principally due to the difficulties in differentiating between the signals from solids and the bubbles. Therefore, the simultaneous and in-situ measurements of gas/liquid species composition and the volume fraction of different phases are critical to the multiphase process characterization.</p> <p>We have recently developed and patented a unique technique to quantitatively and concurrently measure the gaseous species composition and solids volume fraction in a gas-solid fluidized bed. This was achieved through the application of an optical probe with a FT-IR spectrometer to preform real-time and in-situ measurements of absorbance in a gas-solid fluidized. The novel technique can be adopted in a gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed to measure gaseous and liquid species compositions as well as the volume fractions of different phases.</p> <p>Although the newly proposed measurement technique could present promising achievements, further optimizations are required to be done on the technique to amend its limitations. The main objective of this application is to optimize the novel measurement technique based on the great experience that we have achieved in the primary development step.</p> <p>Through supporting this project, our research group would be properly equipped to simultaneously measure the volume fraction of different phases in a multiphase reactor and gaseous and/or liquid species composition. This is essential to maintain a close partnership with the industry and to advance our research. Through&nbsp;characterizing different multiphase processes with the help of the unique technique, our students would also acquire specific knowledge and competence while assisting in the development of new promising technologies and improving the performance of existing processes for the benefit of Canada.</p>