A Combined Multifluid-Population Balance Model for Vertical Gas−Liquid Bubble-Driven Flows Considering Bubble Column Operating Conditions

Abstract

Fluid particle coalescence and breakage phenomena are important for optimal operation of many industrial process units. In particular, in bubble column reactors, the bubble size distribution determines the interfacial momentum, heat, and mass transfer fluxes through the contact area and may thus limit the overall process performance. To elucidate the mechanisms of the coalescence and breakage phenomena, extensive well-planned model-based experimental investigations are required. In addition, a suitable modeling framework considering the microscopic phenomena is needed to interpret the data achieving extended understanding of the important mechanisms, enabling the formulation of more sophisticated mechanistic kernel functions. This article presents a combined multifluid-population balance model for describing the behavior of vertical bubble-driven flows in bubble columns. In the present modeling approach, the Maxwellian average transport equations for the disperse phase are formulated in terms of a density...