Computational fluid dynamics simulation of solid suspension in a gas-liquid-solid mechanically agitated contactor

Abstract

In the present study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been carried out to characterize a solid suspension in a gas-liquid-solid mechanically agitated contactor using the Eulerian multifluid approach with a standard k-epsilon turbulence model. A steady state method of multiple frame of reference (MFR) has been used to model the impeller and tank region. The CFD model predictions are compared qualitatively with the literature experimental data (Guha et al. Chem. Eng. Sci. 2007, 62, 6143; Spidla et al. Chem. Eng. J. 2005, 113, 73; Aubin et al. Erp. Therm. Fluid Sci. 2004, 28, 447) and quantitatively with our experimental data. Also the effect of different types of impellers (disk turbine and pitched blade turbine with downward pumping), impeller speed, particle size (125-230 mu m), and gas flow rate (0-1 vvm) on the critical impeller speed for solid suspension in a gas-liquid-solid mechanically agitated contactor is investigated. The values predicted by CFD simulation agree well with experimental data for various operating conditions