Application of CFD simulation to predict the fluid dynamics of tube columns with stacked packings for gas-liquid systems
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Halina Murasiewicz
,
Jan Maćkowiak
Abstract
While Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation has become a valuable tool for optimizing non-active column internals such as gas and liquid distributors, its application to the complex fluid dynamics of active internals like structured packings is still an evolving field, with significant development occurring within the past two decades. This study investigates the application of standard k-ε CFD model (simple approach) to predict the hydraulic behavior of packed tube columns filled with stacked metallic Bialecki and Pall rings (25 mm and 50 mm). Comparisons between simulated and measured dry pressure drop values demonstrated excellent agreement, with deviations below ± 10 %. Beyond the capabilities of the combined CFD-SBD model proposed by Maćkowiak, J. (2022). Rapid method for prediction of random packing performance based on minimized experimental effort. 12th International Conference on Distillation and Absorption, 18–21 September 2022, Toulouse–France), this approach provides a means to generate basic performance data (BPD), including flooding gas velocity, dry and wetted pressure drop, within the column’s operating range. Consequently, the need for extensive experimental investigations can be reduced through simple CFD-based performance prediction.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not published.
SYMBOLS
| a | [m2/m3] | Specific packing area |
| C Fl,0 | [−] | Universal flooding-point constant for packing |
| d h | [m] | Hydraulic diameter of packed bed |
| d p | [m] | Particle diameter |
| d s | [m] | Column diameter |
| d T | [m] | Droplet diameter acc. Sauter |
| f | [−] | External force exerted on the fluid |
| F V | [Pa0.5] | Gas load factor in relation to full column cross section |
| g | [m/s2] | Acceleration due to gravity |
|
|
[m3/m3] | Liquid hold-up at flooding point, based on free column volume |
| K | [−] | Wall factors [4], K=1 for TC |
| k | [m2/s2] | Turbulence kinetic energy |
| ∇⋅ | [−] | Divergence |
| p | [Pa] | Pressure |
| ∆p0/H | [Pa/m] | Dry pressure drop per 1 m packing height |
| ∆p/H | [Pa/m] | Pressure drop per 1 m packing height for two phase flow & wetted packed bed |
| t | [s] | Time |
| u V | [m/s] | Linear gas velocity in relation to full column cross section |
| u v,Fl | [m/s] | Gas or vapour velocity ad the flooding point, based on the cross-sectional area of an empty column |
| v | [m/s] | Velocity vector |
| y + | [−] | Nondimensional distance from wall |
| Greek symbols | ||
| α | [−] | Flow channel angle |
| ε | [m3/m3] | Relative void fraction of any type of packing |
| ε | [m2/s3] | Energy dissipation rate |
| τ | [Pa] | Deviatoric stress tensor |
| φ p | [−] | Packing form factor [22]; 2010 |
| ν V | [m2/s] | Kinematic viscosity for gas |
| ρ | [kg/m3] | Density |
| ψ | [−] | Resistance coefficient |
| Dimensionless numbers | ||
|
|
Reynolds number |
Abbreviations
- BR
-
Bialecki ring
- PR
-
Pall ring
- TC
-
tube column
- v
-
gas phase
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© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- CPPM special issue in honor of Professor Eugeny Kenig
- Review
- Capture and catalytic conversion of CO2 from marine and offshore applications – A review
- Research Articles
- Deep learning based hybrid POD-LSTM framework for laminar natural convection flow in a rectangular enclosure
- Application of CFD simulation to predict the fluid dynamics of tube columns with stacked packings for gas-liquid systems
- High order moment conserving method of classes in CFD code
- A framework for validating efficiency models of thermal separation columns with tray internals
- A systematic selection and decision matrix for energy-efficient intensified distillation technologies
- Capillary flow in corners slowed down by gravity and evaporation
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- CPPM special issue in honor of Professor Eugeny Kenig
- Review
- Capture and catalytic conversion of CO2 from marine and offshore applications – A review
- Research Articles
- Deep learning based hybrid POD-LSTM framework for laminar natural convection flow in a rectangular enclosure
- Application of CFD simulation to predict the fluid dynamics of tube columns with stacked packings for gas-liquid systems
- High order moment conserving method of classes in CFD code
- A framework for validating efficiency models of thermal separation columns with tray internals
- A systematic selection and decision matrix for energy-efficient intensified distillation technologies
- Capillary flow in corners slowed down by gravity and evaporation
