Computational fluid dynamics bubble columns

This study investigates the hydrodynamic behaviour of an aimular bubble column reactor with continuous liquid and gas flow using an Eulerian-Eulerian computational fluid dynamics approach. The residence time distribution is completed using a numerical scalar technique which compares favourably to the corresponding experimental data. It is shown that liquid mixing performance and residence time are strong functions of flowrate and direction. 

Many industrial processes which employ bubble column reactors (BCRs) operate on a continuous liquid flow basis. As a result these BCR s are a substantially more complicated than stationary flow systems. The design and operation of these systems is largely proprietary and there is, indeed a strong reliance upon scale up strategies [1]. With the implementation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the associated complex flow phenomena may be anal)rzed to obtain a more comprehensive basis for reactor analysis and optimization. This study has examined the hydrodynamic characteristics of an annular 2-phase (liquid-gas) bubble column reactor operating co-and coimter-current (with respect to the gas flow) continuous modes. 

Pareek, V., M.P. Brungs, and A.A. Adesina, Photocausticization of Spent Bayer liquor A Pilot-Scale Study. Advances in Environmental Research, 2003. 7(2) p. 411-420. Bertola, F., M. Vanni, and G. Baldi, Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to Multiphase Flow in Bubble Columns. International journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 2003. 1 p. A3. 

Pareek, V.K., S.J. Cox, M.P. Brungs, B. Young, and A.A. Adesina, Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) Simulation of a Pilot-Scale Annular Bubble Column Photocatalytic Reactor. Chemical Engineering Science, 2003. 58(3-6) p. 859-865. 

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is rapidly becoming a standard tool for the analysis of chemically reacting flows. For single-phase reactors, such as stirred tanks and empty tubes, it is already well-established. For multiphase reactors such as fixed beds, bubble columns, trickle beds and fluidized beds, its use is relatively new, and methods are still under development. The aim of this chapter is to present the application of CFD to the simulation of three-dimensional interstitial flow in packed tubes, with and without catalytic reaction. Although the use of... 

Jakobsen HA, Bourg I, Hjarbo KW, Svendsen HF (2001) Interaction Between Reaction Kinetics and Flow Structure in Bubble Column Reactors. In Jenssen CB et al (eds) Parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics - Trends and Applications, Elsevier Science B.V., pp 543-550, ISBN 0-444-50673-X... 

Although considerable advances have been made both in understanding the basic aspects of slurry bubble column reactors (SBCR) and in developing rational design procedures, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) - assisted design methodology for reactor optimization is sparse. 

Slurry bubble column reactor for methanol and other hydrocarbons productions from synthesis gas is an issue of interest to the energy industries throughout the world. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a recently developed tool which can help in the scale up. We have developed an algorithm for computing the optimum process of fluidized bed reactors. The mathematical technique can be applied to gas solid, liquid-solid, and gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed reactors, as well as the LaPorte slurry bubble column reactor. Our computations for the optimum particle size show that there is a factor of about two differences between 20 and 60 pm size with maximum granular-like temperature (turbulent kinetic energy) near the 60 pm size particles. 

This partial differential equation is deterministic by nature. In practice, however, many hydrodynamic phenomena (e.g., transition from laminar to turbulent flow) have chaotic features (deterministic chaos [Stewart 1993]). The reason for this is that the Navier-Stokes equation assumes a homogeneous ideal fluid, whereas a real fluid consists of atoms and molecules. Today highly developed numerical flow simulators (computational fluid dynamics, CFD) are available for solving the Navier-Stokes equation under certain boundary conditions (e.g.. Fluent Deutschland GmbH). These even allow complex flow conditions, including particle, droplet, bubble, plug, and free surface flow, as well as multiphase flow such as that foundin fluidized-bed reactors and bubble columns, to be treated numerically [Fluent 1998]. 

D., and Barton, G. (2014) Modelling of mixing and microbial growth in bubble column bioreactors using computational fluid dynamics. New BiotechnoL, 31, S62. 

ChenJ, Yang N, Ge W, et al Computational fluid dynamics simulation of regime transition in bubble columns incorporating the dual-bubble-size model, Ind Eng Chem Res 48 8172-8179, 2009b. 

Known scale-up correlations thus may allow scale-up when laboratory or pilot plant experience is minimal. The fundamental approach to process scaling involves mathematical modeling of the manufacturing process and experimental validation of the model at different scale-up ratios. In a paper on fluid dynamics in bubble column reactors, Lubbert and coworkers [52] noted Until very recently fluid dynamical models of multiphase reactors were considered intractable. This situation is rapidly changing with the development of high-perfonnance computers. Today s workstations allow new approaches to. .. modeling. ... 

---