Computing radial packing properties from the distribution of particle centers

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 56; no. 20; pp. 5693 - 5707
• Main Authors: Mariani, N.J., Martı́nez, O.M., Barreto, G.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Aspect ratio; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Heat and mass transfer. Packings, plates; Packed bed structure; Particle distribution; Particle surface area; Voidage profile; Packed bed structure; Aspect ratio; Particle distribution; Voidage profile; Packed bed; Radial distribution; Theoretical study; Spherical particle; Porosity; Surface area; Random packing; Modeling
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-2509(01)00295-0

The relationship between the distribution of particle centers in random beds of uniformly sized spheres and radial properties, in particular radial voidage profiles, is undertaken in this work. To this end, closed expressions for six geometrical quantities related to the intersection of spheres with cylindrical surfaces are presented. The relations to compute radial properties are then expressed in terms of those geometrical quantities and it is shown that for realistic types of particle center distribution, the calculations can be carried out without resorting to simplifying assumptions or numerical integration. The significance of radial profiles of particle surface area is also discussed.