Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling to Predict Axial Dispersion in Pulsatile Liquid-liquid Two-phase Flow in Pulsed Sieve Plate Columns

Abstract

ABSTRACT Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to predict continuous phase axial dispersion coefficient for liquid-liquid two-phase flow in a pulsed-sieve plate column (PSPC). The CFD model is based on Euler-Euler model in which the drop diameter used in the interphase momentum exchange term is obtained by coupled solution of the population balance equations. Species transport is additionally solved for the continuous phase to obtain its residence time distribution (RTD) curve which is further processed to estimate axial dispersion coefficient of the continuous phase. Experimental studies are also conducted in a 3-inch diameter PSPC to obtain axial dispersion coefficient in the continuous phase for different operating conditions. The continuous phase is water. 30% (v/v) tributyl phosphate mixed in dodecane is the dispersed phase. Validation of the CFD model is done with the experimental data of axial dispersion coefficient of the continuous phase. The average absolute relative error between estimated and predicted axial dispersion coefficient of continuous phase is less than 3%. The validated model is used to understand two-phase hydrodynamics in the column.