A low Reynolds number k– ε model for the prediction of flow pattern and pressure drop in bubble column reactors

Abstract

A low Reynolds number k– ε CFD model has been used for the description of flow pattern near the wall. An excellent agreement has been shown between the predicted and experimental hold-up and velocity profiles over a wide range of superficial gas velocity ( V G ), column diameter ( D), column height ( H D ) and the nature of gas–liquid system (bubble diameter and their rise velocity). The CFD model has been extended for the prediction of pressure drop for two-phase gas–liquid flows in bubble columns. A comparison has been presented between the predicted and the experimental data over a wide range of superficial gas and liquid velocities and for three gas–liquid systems.