Scaling Chemical Processes

Chapter 4

Scaling Fluid Flow

Abstract

This chapter presents methods for scaling fluid flow from model to prototype. These scaling methods are based on dimensional analysis and model theory. Of course, these methods can be used in reverse, to downscale from commercial plant to pilot plant or laboratory scales.

Keywords

Fluid flow characteristics; dimensional analysis; dimensionless parameters; flow in smooth pipe; flow in rough-walled pipe; pumps; flow through packed columns

Introduction

Chemical engineering is about delivering feed to a chemical processing unit operation, converting that feed to product, then delivering product to customers. In the commodity chemical industry, nearly all feed deliveries involve a fluid, either a gas or a liquid. Similarly, ...