What is the significance of multiphase flows in catalytic systems?
Multiphase flows, involving combinations of gases, liquids, and solids, are common in catalytic processes. For example, fluidized bed reactors use a gas to suspend solid catalyst particles, facilitating better contact between reactants and the catalyst. Managing these multiphase flows requires an understanding of phase interactions, pressure drops, and flow regimes, all of which impact the overall efficiency of the reaction.