Usability of ECT for Quantitative and Qualitative Characterization of Trickle-Bed Flow Dynamics Experiencing Filtration Conditions

This work investigates the pros and cons of using the Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) for imaging and quantitative characterization of flow dynamics in a four-phase trickle-bed reactor. ECT use is increasing in non-invasive imaging thanks to its low cost and convenience compared to nuclear ionizing, non-ionizing and other tomography methods. Yet, ECT has low spatial resolution, lack of multi-modality and difficult image reconstruction. The flow dynamics that establish in a four-phase trickle-bed system are complex and prone to instability. This work sets to determine in what measure ECT cat precisely capturing steadystate flow features and unsteady situations: plugging, preferential flowing etc. Many image reconstruction algorithms are tested in the light of the trickle-bed reactor characteristics.