Coarse-grid simulations of full-loop gas-solid flows using a hybrid drag model: Investigations on turbulence models

Abstract

The effect of fluid turbulence models on the coarse-grid simulation for the mesoscale gas-solid flow system is not as clear as that for gas-liquid/single flows. In this study, the effect of different turbulence models on predictions of riser-only, turbulent and bubbling flow hydrodynamics is quantified. Then the selected turbulence models are examined by coarse-grid simulations in a full-loop circulating fluidized bed (CFB) with a proposed hybrid drag model which integrates two SGMs and Hulin-Gidaspow model. Results show that the standard k-epsilon and k-omega models fail to capture a correct fluidization pattern in riser. Meanwhile, the RNG and realizable k-epsilon models and SST k-omega model enable satisfactory predictions which are highly comparable to discrete model predictions and experiments over different flow regimes. However, the realizable k-epsilon model produces more pronounced flow fluctuations causing computational instability. Using superior turbulence closures, full-loop simulations with the proposed hybrid model can predict desirable hydrodynamics.