A Review of Modeling Rotating Packed Beds and Improving Their Parameters: Gas–Liquid Contact

Farhad Ghadyanlou,Ali Vatani,Ahmad Azari

doi:10.3390/su13148046

Farhad Ghadyanlou, Ali Vatani + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148046

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Jul 19, 2021
Citations: 21	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Persian Gulf University, University of Tehran

Abstract

The aim of this review is to investigate a kind of process intensification equipment called a rotating packed bed (RPB), which improves transport via centrifugal force in the gas–liquid field, especially by absorption. Different types of RPB, and their advantages and effects on hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and power consumption under available models, are analyzed. Moreover, different approaches to the modeling of RPB are discussed, their mass transfer characteristics and hydrodynamic features are compared, and all models are reviewed. A dimensional analysis showed that suitable dimensionless numbers could make for a more realistic definition of the system, and could be used for prototype scale-up and benchmarking purposes. Additionally, comparisons of the results demonstrated that Re, Gr, Sc, Fr, We, and shape factors are effective. In addition, a study of mass transfer models revealed that the contact zone was the main area of interest in previous studies, and this zone was not evaluated in the same way as packed beds. Moreover, CFD studies revealed that the realizable k-ε turbulence model and the VOF two-phase model, combined with experimental reaction or mass transfer equations for analyzing hydrodynamic and mass transfer coefficients, could help define an RPB system in a more realistic way.

Highlights

Process intensification (PI) is defined as an engineering application utilized to improve sustainability, cleaning, safety and energy efficiency
The gas velocity and flow area change radially in rotating packed bed (RPB); mass transfer (MT) coefficients change from point to point in the contactor [134], but there is no general theory in this case, and the prediction of MT coefficients in RPBs is theoretically complicated [30]
Obstacle simplification (use of a simple geometry model or a representative elementary unit (REU), as used in [170]; Porous areas, which are suitable for RPB simulation on pilot and industrial scales; Innovative models, such as Lu et al.’s [174], in which porous media are described based on the Kolodziej model, and that contained in another of Liu et al.’s investigations, wherein a physical model was defined via computed tomography (CT)

Summary

Introduction

Process intensification (PI) is defined as an engineering application utilized to improve sustainability, cleaning, safety and energy efficiency. This device was first patented in 1963, and includes concentric rings for packing purposes [6]

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