Novel supports for coal liquefaction catalysts

Cold model studies of the liquid fluidized bed microreactor are essentially complete. This report documents experimental data obtained for the optimum (60{degrees} blade angle) axial flow impeller in Gas/Liquid/Solid service. Dimensionless correlations are presented for the critical stirrer speeds corresponding to incipient fluidization, S{sub 1}, and particle carryover, S{sub 2}. Under some circumstances bed expansion ceases prior to particle carryover due to cavitation in the impeller. A correlation is developed for S{sub 3}, the stirrer speed at which cavitation is first observed, and by comparing S{sub 2} and S{sub 3} it is possible to establish whether the bed can be fully expanded. Construction of the stainless steel vessel and internals was completed during the last quarter, and assembly of the CCLM unit is underway. 7 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab