Numerical simulation of flow field characteristics in a gas-liquid-solid agitated tank

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics simulation was carried out to investigate flow field characteristics in a gas-liquid-solid agitated tank. The Eulerian multifluid model along with standard k-e turbulence model was employed in the simulation. A multiple reference frame approach was used to treat the impeller rotation. Liquid velocity, gas holdup and solid holdup distributions in the agitated tank were obtained. The effect of operating conditions on gas and solid distributions was investigated. The predicted flow pattern was compared with results in literature. The simulation results indicate that local hydrodynamic behaviors such as velocity, gas and solid holdup distribution, are strongly influenced by operating conditions. Within the scope of our study, increasing gas inlet rate caused liquid circulation to be weakened and was not in favor of gas dispersion. Solid holdup in the upper part of the tank, especially near the wall region decreased. Adding solid loadings resulted in liquid mean velocity near the surface region decreased, gas dispersion and solid suspension becoming worse.