Pressure reduction study in a trickle bed using polyacrylamide

Abstract

Trickle bed operation is energy intensive and to reduce energy consumption in a trickle bed, pressure reducing agents are added to the liquid. In the present work pressure drop at various operating conditions were measured and the effect of polyacrylamide as a pressure reducing agent on pressure drop reduction were investigated. The experimental result shows a increase in percentage pressure reduction with increase in the concentration of polyacrylamide up to a concentration of 8 ppm. Beyond 8 ppm significant foam formation was observed along with an increase in pressure drop. A maximum of 60% pressure reduction is achieved using polyacrylamide (8 ppm) as pressure reducing agent.