The prediction of gas hold-up in bubble column reactors: Newtonian and non-newtonian fluids

A new model has been developed for the gas hold-up in bubble column reactors. The model is based on two different expressions for the energy dissipation rate used to derive the correlations for the heat transfer rate in bubble column reactors. The present model is applicable to non-newtonian fluids characterized by a power-law model as well as to newtonian fluids.

Predictions were compared with a wide range of available experimental data and correlations. Good agreement with the available results suggests that the proposed model should be useful for the rational prediction of gas hold-up in bubble column reactors.