Gas–liquid two‐phase flow through packed beds in microgravity

Hydrodynamics of Packed Bed Reactor in Low Gravity

“…We summarized in this paper the low gravity platform findings connected with two-phase friction factor, although flow maps and transition predictions have been addressed in great details by Motil et al 2003. Then, we presented the plans for a Packed Bed Flight Experiment PBRE with the objective to generate hydrodynamics design correlations and performance data for the design and sizing of future low or microgravity packed beds.…”

“…Furthermore, neglecting gravity effects are justified even for the liquid-continuous bubbly and pulse regimes. Motil et al, 2003 …”

“…Initial microgravity tests conducted in the reduced gravity aircraft and drop tower clearly show that the liquid holdup is significantly influenced by gravity (Motil et al, 2003). Furthermore, most of these models have only been verified using the trickle flow regime (not found in microgravity).…”

NASA's Microgravity Fluid Physics Strategic Research Roadmap

“…More recently, new areas of investigations have begun which include fine particulate matter, fluidized beds, and gas-liquid flow through packed bed reactors. 10 Although most of this work is ground-based, NASA does have near term plans to make use of the ISS. The following section briefly discusses the related experiments planned for the ISS within the next five years.…”

Development of Packed Bed Reactor ISS Flight Experiment

“…Experimental studies from ground-based low gravity platforms (aircraft and drop towers) have clearly shown the profound influence of gravity on flow regimes and pressure drop 4 . Fundamental studies, under extended periods of microgravity are needed to access the realistic flow rates typically found in space systems in which flows require longer to transit the test section than is attainable in the ground-based platforms.…”