A non-parametric method for particle settling velocity determination in a slurry bubble column

The use of an Eisenthal-Cornish-Bowden-type plot to determine the particle settling velocity in a continuous slurry bubble column under steady state conditions is presented. The procedure permits the identification of improperly run experiments, since the plots do not pass through the common intersection point. In the range 0.4<Re_p<500 the particle settling velocity is given by V_p = [0.0178g²(ρ_p-ρ_l)²/ρ_lμ_l] ^{1 3}d_p. It is shown that the solid dispersion coefficient cannot be determined from a steady state experiment. All dispersion data determined in supposedly steady state experiments are therefore meaningless.