Begin The Journey To Solving Problems Using The Art Of Parameter Listing

Berthran C. Daniel

Acknowledgement
Dr. Olugbenga (FUTMINNA)
Mr. Oluseyi (FUTMINNA)
QUESTIONS EXTRACTED FROM
Introduction to Particle Technology (Second Edition)

VOLUME 1
NEVER RESIST THE URGE TO SHALAYE YOUR PARAMETERS

1. A packed bed of solid particles of density 2500 kg/m3, occupies a depth of 1 m in a

vessel of cross-sectional area 0.04 m2. The mass of solids in the bed is 50 kg and the
surface-volume mean diameter of the particles is 1 mm. A liquid of density 800 kg/m3
and viscosity 0.002 Pas flows (b) Calculate the pressure drop across the bed when the
volume flow rate of liquid is 1.44 m3/h.
(a) Calculate the voidage (volume fraction occupied by voids) of the bed.
(b) Calculate the frictional pressure drop across the bed when the volume flow rate of
liquid is 1.44m3/h.

SOLUTION STEPS
Given parameters/data

Particles Packed bed Fluid

• Density of particles • Depth or height of the • Density of the

(ρp) = 2500kg/m3 packed bed (H) = 1m fluid/liquid (ρf) =
• Mass of the particles • Cross sectional area of 800kg/m3
(m) = 50kg vessel = Cross sectional • Viscosity of the
• Surface-volume mean area of packed bed (A) fluid/liquid (μ) =
diameter of the = 0.04m2 0.002Pa.s
particles (xs.v) = 1mm • Volumetric flow rate of
the fluid (Q) =
1.44m3/h

Parameters to be calculated

Particles Packed bed Fluid

• NOTHING • Voidage of the • NOTHING

packed bed (ϵ)
• Frictional Pressure
Drop across the
packed bed (-ΔP)

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Relevant Equations

Voidage Relevant

𝑈𝑖 = 𝑈⁄𝜖 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝜖𝐴 𝑆𝐵 = 𝑆𝑉 (1 − 𝜖)

𝑚 = 𝐴𝐻(1 − 𝜖)𝜌𝑝

Where:

𝑈𝑖 = Actual fluid Velocity through the PB 𝐴 = Cross-sectional area of the PB

𝑈 = Superficial fluid Velocity through the PB 𝑆𝐵 = Specific surface area of the PB
𝑆𝑉 = Specific surface area of the particles in the PB 𝑚 = Mass of the particles of the PB
𝐻 = Height of the PB (Packed Bed) 𝜌𝑝 = density of the particles of the PB
𝜖 = Voidage of the Packed Bed (PB)
All these equations can be used to calculate for the voidage of a packed bed but looking at the
given parameters you can clearly see that some of these equations cannot be used to calculate
for the voidage in this particular question as little or no information is provided on their
parameters.
So let’s examine the equations closely in line with the information provided and by so doing
only one or two equations (as the case may be) will be left to calculate the voidage.
𝑄
In the 1st equation 𝑈 can be calculated using the formula ⁄𝐴 (where Q = volumetric flow rate).
However we are left with two unknowns which are 𝑈𝑖 and 𝜖 (voidage) which we cannot
calculate. So, this makes this equation unusable.
In the 2nd equation, we have a value for 𝐴 but like in the first we also have two unknowns; the
flow area and the voidage (𝜖). This also makes this equation unusable
In the 3rd equation 𝑆𝐵 and 𝑆𝑉 can only be calculated if we have the surface areas of the bed and
the particles, and the volume of the particles.

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𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒

Mathematically, that is 𝑆𝐵 = and 𝑆𝑉 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠

Luckily, we can calculate the volume of the particles using the density-volume-mass equation
𝑚
𝜌𝑝 = 𝑉 , but unfortunately, we are not told anything as regards the shape of the particles
(whether: rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, or even tube-like, etc) which we need to determine
the surface area of the particles. Also we have no information on the surface area of the PB. As
a result we are unable to determine either 𝑆𝐵 or 𝑆𝑉 . So, like in the previous two equations, we
have more than one unknown (𝑆𝐵 , 𝑆𝑉 and 𝜖). This makes this equation unusable.
In the 4th equation, we have values for the mass of the particles (𝑚), the cross-sectional area of
the PB (𝐴), the height of the PB (𝐻) and the density of the particles (𝜌𝑝 ). So the only unknown is
the voidage (𝜖). This equation can be used (in fact it will be used).

Pressure Drop Relevant

(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜇𝑈 (1 − 𝜖)2 𝜌𝑓 𝑈 2 (1 − 𝜖)
= 150 2 + 1.75
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3

Laminar Component Turbulent Component

This is the only available equation within our scope of study which can be used.

If there are unknowns then we must figure out how to find them.

Relevant Unknowns/constants
There are no unknowns in the Voidage equation. However, in the above pressure drop
equation there are two parameters not given in the question, one of which is the voidage
which would be calculated first using the Voidage equation. So that’s out of the picture.
The other unknown is the superficial fluid velocity 𝑈 which can be determined using the
equation below:
𝑄
𝑈=
𝐴

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The importance of doing this is

that it gives you a handle on
how to solve the question and FOR SUBSEQUENT EXAMPLES
an overall picture of what to do ATTENTION MAY NOT BE GIVEN
so you won’t be stuck. TO MUCH DETAILS

Voidage Solution
𝑚 = 𝐴𝐻(1 − 𝜖)𝜌𝑝
Making 𝜖 the subject of the formula:
𝑚
𝜖 =1−
𝐴𝐻𝜌𝑝
Inserting the values:

50 (𝑘𝑔)
𝜖 =1−
0.04 (𝑚2 ) × 1 (𝑚) × 2500 (𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 )
Solving that gives:

𝜖 = 0.5 NB: Voidage is Dimensionless i.e it

has no units

Pressure Drop Solution

Determine the relevant unknown 𝑈:

𝑄
𝑈=
𝐴
Inserting the values:

1.44 (𝑚3 ⁄ℎ)

𝑈=
0.04 (𝑚2 )
Notice here that there’s a slight change in units. The unit of Q is usually 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠 but here it’s
𝑚3 ⁄ℎ. Working with the former gives a different answer as working with the later does.

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This calls for caution and also points out how writing out your dimensions as you solve
could act as a check to ensure dimensional consistency in your calculations. You could term
it “Your saving grace”.
Converting 𝑚3 ⁄ℎ to 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠:

1.44 𝑚3 1ℎ 1.44𝑚3
= = 0.0004 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠
ℎ 3600 𝑠 3600 𝑠

Solving for 𝑈:

0.0004 (𝑚3 ⁄𝑠)

𝑈=
0.04 (𝑚2 )
𝑈 = 0.01 𝑚⁄𝑠
Pressure Drop equation:

(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜇𝑈 (1 − 𝜖)2 𝜌𝑓 𝑈 2 (1 − 𝜖)
= 150 2 + 1.75
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3
Making necessary conversions:
Surface-mean diameter (𝑥𝑠.𝑣 ) = 1 mm = 0.001 m
Solving the linear component first (It’s advisable to split the equation into linear and turbulent Commented [DB1]: It’s adviceable to split the equation
components and calculate each one individually to avoid complications and confusion). into linear and turbulent components and calculate each
one individually to avoid complications and confusion.
After which both components can be summed up and
(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜇𝑈 (1 − 𝜖)2 multiplied with the height of the bed H to give the pressure
= 150 2 drop
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3
(−𝛥𝑃) 0.002𝑃𝑎. 𝑠 × 0.01 𝑚⁄𝑠 (1 − 0.5)2
= 150 × ×
𝐻 (0.001𝑚)2 0.53
(−𝛥𝑃) 0.00002𝑚𝑃𝑎 0. 52
= 150 × ×
𝐻 0.000001𝑚2 0.53
(−𝛥𝑃)
= 150 × 20 𝑃𝑎⁄𝑚 × 2
𝐻

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(−𝛥𝑃)
= 6000 𝑃𝑎⁄𝑚 (𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡)
𝐻
Solving for Turbulent component:

(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜌𝑓 𝑈 2 (1 − 𝜖)
= 1.75
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3
(−𝛥𝑃) 800 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 × (0.01 𝑚⁄𝑠)2 (1 − 0.5)
= 1.75 × ×
𝐻 0.001𝑚 0.53
(−𝛥𝑃) 0.08 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚𝑠 2 0.5
= 1.75 × ×
𝐻 0.001𝑚 0.53
(−𝛥𝑃)
= 1.75 × 80𝑘𝑔/𝑚2 𝑠 2 × 4
𝐻
(−𝛥𝑃)
= 560𝑘𝑔/𝑚2 𝑠 2 (𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡)
𝐻
Bringing the two components together:

(−𝛥𝑃)
= 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 + 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝐻
(−𝛥𝑃)
= 6000 𝑃𝑎⁄𝑚 + 560𝑘𝑔/𝑚2 𝑠 2
𝐻
1 𝑃𝑎 = 1𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠 2

(−𝛥𝑃)
= 6000 𝑃𝑎⁄𝑚 + 560 𝑃𝑎/𝑚
𝐻
(−𝛥𝑃)
= 6560 𝑃𝑎/𝑚
𝐻
𝑃𝑎 𝑃𝑎
(−𝛥𝑃) = 𝐻 × 6560 = 1𝑚 × 6560
𝑚 𝑚
(−𝛥𝑃) = 6560𝑃𝑎

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2. A packed bed of solids of density 2000 kg/m3 occupies a depth of 0.6m in a

cylindrical vessel of inside diameter 0.1m. The mass of solids in the bed is 5kg and
the surface-volume mean diameter of the particles is 300 μm. Water (density 1000
kg/m3 and viscosity 0.001 Pas) flows upwards through the bed.
a) What is the voidage of the packed bed?
b) Calculate the superficial liquid velocity at which the frictional pressure drop across
the bed is 4130 Pa.

SOLUTION STEPS
Given parameters/data

Particles Packed bed Fluid

• Density of solid • Depth or height of the • Density of water (ρf) =

particles (ρp) = packed bed (H) = 0.6m 1000kg/m3
2000kg/m3 • Diameter of vessel = • Viscosity of water (μ) =
• Mass of the solid Diameter of packed 0.001Pa.s
particles (m) = 5kg bed (D) = 0.1m
• Surface-volume mean • Pressure drop across
diameter of the solid packed bed (-ΔP) =
particles (xs.v) = 300µm 4130 Pa

Parameters to be calculated

Particles Packed bed Fluid

• NOTHING • Voidage of the • Superficail fluid

packed bed (ϵ) velocity (U)

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Relevant Equations

Voidage Relevant

𝑈𝑖 = 𝑈⁄𝜖 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝜖𝐴 𝑆𝐵 = 𝑆𝑉 (1 − 𝜖)

𝑚 = 𝐴𝐻(1 − 𝜖)𝜌𝑝

Where:

𝑈𝑖 = Actual fluid Velocity through the PB 𝐴 = Cross-sectional area of the PB

𝑈 = Superficial fluid Velocity through the PB 𝑆𝐵 = Specific surface area of the PB
𝑆𝑉 = Specific surface area of the particles in the PB 𝑚 = Mass of the particles of the PB
𝐻 = Height of the PB (Packed Bed) 𝜌𝑝 = density of the particles of the PB
𝜖 = Voidage of the Packed Bed (PB)
As with the first question only one of this equations checks out which is? (Try to figure out from
the parameters given. If you’re not sure check the answer in the next page in the Green Circle).

Superficial Velocity Relevant

(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜇𝑈 (1 − 𝜖)2 𝜌𝑓 𝑈 2 (1 − 𝜖)
= 150 2 + 1.75
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3

Laminar Component Turbulent Component

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𝑚 = 𝐴𝐻(1 − 𝜖)𝜌𝑝

You figured it out right or maybe not!

Notwithstanding, here we have the values for mass of the solids (𝑚), height of the packed bed
(𝐻 ), density of the solid particles (𝜌𝑝 ), but no cross-sectional area of the bed (𝐴), and no voidage
(𝜖) (so what! Two Unknowns? Let’s not jump into conclusion yet)
Look closely. We were provided with the diameter of the vessel which by geometry becomes the
diameter of the packed bed (D) and with that in hand we can call on a familiar formula given
below: 𝐷2
𝐴=𝛱
4
Voila! It’s settled. We’re left with just the Voidage which we are to calculate.
So we have our equation

Relevant Unknowns/constants
In the voidage equation there is only one unknown – the cross-sectional area of the bed (A),
which can be calculated using the equation in the Green Circle.
While the superficial velocity equation has no unknown.

Voidage Solution
Solving for Cross-sectional area:

𝐷2
𝐴=𝛱
4
0.12
𝐴=𝛱
4
Using 3.142 for Π:

𝐴 = 7.855 × 10−3 𝑚2
Voidage Equation:
𝑚
𝜖 =1−
𝐴𝐻𝜌𝑝

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Inserting the values:

5 (𝑘𝑔)
𝜖 =1−
0.007855 (𝑚2 ) × 0.6 (𝑚) × 2000 (𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 )
Solving that gives:

𝜖 = 0.4696 NB: Voidage is Dimensionless i.e it

has no units

Superficial Velocity Solution

Relevant equation:

(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜇𝑈 (1 − 𝜖)2 𝜌𝑓 𝑈 2 (1 − 𝜖)
= 150 2 + 1.75
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3
Making necessary conversions:
Surface-mean diameter (𝑥𝑠.𝑣 ) = 300µm = 0.0003 m
Solving the linear component first: Commented [DB2]: It’s adviceable to split the equation
into linear and turbulent components and calculate each
(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜇𝑈 (1 − 𝜖)2 one individually to avoid complications and confusion.
After which both components can be summed up and
= 150 2
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3 multiplied with the height of the bed H to give the pressure
drop
Commented [DB3]: Don’t be too quick to make U the
(−𝛥𝑃) 0.001𝑃𝑎. 𝑠 × 𝑈 (1 − 0.4696)2 subject of the formula as doing that could lead to confusion
= 150 × ×
𝐻 (0.0003𝑚)2 0.46963 of terms, units and values.

(−𝛥𝑃) 𝑠
= 4527636.118𝑃𝑎. 2 × 𝑈
𝐻 𝑚
𝑠
(−𝛥𝑃) = 0.6𝑚 × 4527636.118𝑃𝑎. 2 × 𝑈
𝑚
𝑠
(−𝛥𝑃) = 2716581.671𝑃𝑎. × 𝑈
𝑚
(−𝛥𝑃) = 2.72 × 106 𝑃𝑎. 𝑠⁄𝑚 × 𝑈

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Solving the turbulent component: Commented [DB4]: Don’t be too quick to make U the
subject of the formula as doing that could lead to confusion
(−𝛥𝑃) 𝜌𝑓 𝑈 2 (1 − 𝜖) of terms, units and values.
= 1.75
𝐻 𝑥𝑠.𝑣 𝜖3
(−𝛥𝑃) 1000 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 × 𝑈 2 (1 − 0.4696)
= 1.75 × ×
𝐻 0.0003𝑚 0.46963
(−𝛥𝑃)
= 29876935.17 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚4 × 𝑈 2
𝐻
(−𝛥𝑃) = 0.6𝑚 × 29876935.17 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚4 × 𝑈 2
(−𝛥𝑃) = 17926161.1 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 × 𝑈 2
(−𝛥𝑃) = 17.9 × 106 𝑈 2
Bringing the two components together:

(−𝛥𝑃) = 2.72 × 106 𝑃𝑎. 𝑠⁄𝑚 × 𝑈 + 17.9 × 106 𝑈 2

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