Residence time distribution studies using radiotracers in a lab-scale distillation column: Experiments and modeling

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Process Systems Engineering

Background:

• Radiotracer residence time distribution (RTD) analysis is crucial for assessing industrial process reactor performance.
• Packed distillation columns are key components in chemical processing, requiring accurate performance diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the RTD in a laboratory-scale packed distillation column using a radiotracer.
• To evaluate and select the most appropriate mathematical model for RTD analysis in this specific reactor type.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) as the radiotracer for experimental monitoring.
• Employed eight scintillation detectors for real-time concentration measurements.
• Applied data preprocessing techniques including background and radioactive decay correction.
• Investigated two mathematical models using International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) RTD software for parameter optimization.

Main Results:

• Successfully obtained and processed experimental data to characterize the radiotracer's RTD.
• Identified and selected the mathematical model that best represented the experimental data.
• Calculated the RTD parameters, providing insights into the column's hydrodynamics.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully determined the RTD of a packed distillation column using Tc-99m.
• The selection of an appropriate mathematical model is critical for accurate RTD analysis.
• This methodology provides a valuable tool for diagnosing and optimizing packed distillation column performance.