CFD-PBM simulations of a pulsed sieve plate column

Abstract

A 2D computational model coupling two-phase CFD and population balance equations is used to predict dispersed phase holdup and Sauter mean drop diameter in a pulsed sieve plate column which is relevant for solvent extraction in nuclear fuel cycle. Spatial and temporal variations of drop diameter are captured by the model. Population balance equations consider both drop breakage and coalescence in the column. Standard breakage and coalescence kernels are used to model breakage and coalescence rates. The model is validated using reported experimental data of dispersed phase holdup and Sauter mean drop diameter. In the first round of simulations standard Kumar-Hartland drag model is used to model the interphase momentum exchange. The average absolute relative error in estimation of dispersed phase holdup and Sauter mean diameter are found to be 13.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Optimization of the model constants of Kumar-Hartland drag model is done to reduce the error in dispersed phase holdup prediction to 5.6%.