Bubble columns with internals: A review on research methodology and process intensification

Abstract

Gas-liquid and gas-liquid-solid bubble columns have been extensively employed in petrochemical and coal-chemical industries. The internals are frequently installed within bubble columns to intensify their transport and reactive performance. This work aims to comprehensively review the development of bubble columns with internals and its relevant research methodologies in recent years, especially the process intensification effect induced by internals. First, current applications of intrusive and non-intrusive experimental methodology alongside the most widely used Euler-based numerical methodology for bubble columns with internals are analyzed in detail. Thereafter, the effects of crucial internals (gas distributors, vertical tubes, and helical structures) on dynamics (gas holdup, liquid velocity, mass and heat transfer) and their inner mechanism in bubble columns are thoroughly summarized. Ultimately, several promising optimization strategies for bubble columns with internals are proposed. This review can provide insightful guidance on the design and optimization of bubble columns for various application scenarios.