Algebraic model for predicting the hydrodynamics of cocurrent three‐phase fluidized columns

This study presents a novel simplified set of momentum equations to predict the overall hydrodynamics of a cocurrent gas–liquid–solid slurry bed, including phase fractions and pressure drop. The mentioned momentum closures are derived from an idealization of the upward flows within the bed of solid particles, obtained by extending an approach previously developed for downward flows in trickle bed reactors. Different from these trickle bed reactors, the expansion of the particle bed is estimated based on an analogy with a solid–liquid fluidized bed. The model is validated against experimental data and compared with well‐established models from literature. Minimum fluidization liquid superficial velocity, phase fractions and bed expansion are well predicted simultaneously with a consistent single model.