CFD modeling of double-partition divided-wall column for mass transfer characteristics

Abstract

In this study, a coupled two-fluid computational fluid dynamics (CFD)–component transfer (CT) model was constructed to investigate the mass transfer behavior and distribution of component concentration fields on trays within the two-staggered wall regions of a double-partition divided-wall column (DPDWC). By comparing the simulation results of the coupled CFD-CT model with the height-dependent calculation of the clear-liquid layer, this study validated the model, and then proceeded to analyse its effect on mass transfer in multiple zones of the tower under varying gas velocity conditions. The results showed that the mass-transfer efficiency increased initially, but then decreased with an increase in gas velocity within the studied gas velocity range. In addition, the evaporative condensation effect of the component mass transfer cause temperature variations across different regions of the tower.