Numerical simulation of gas–liquid flow in the bubble column using Wray–Agarwal turbulence model coupled with population balance model

Abstract

In this paper, an improved computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for gas–liquid flow in bubble column was developed using the one-equation Wary–Agarwal (WA) turbulence model coupled with the population balance model (PBM). Through 18 orthogonal test cases, the optimal combination of interfacial force models, including drag force, lift force, turbulent dispersion force. The modified wall lubrication force model was proposed to improve the predictive ability for hydrodynamic behavior near the wall of the bubble column. The values simulated by optimized CFD model were in agreement with experimental data, and the errors were within ± 20%. In addition, the axial velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, bubble size distribution, and the dynamic characteristic of bubble plume were analyzed at different superficial gas velocities. This research work could provide a theoretical basis for the extension of the CFD–PBM coupled model to other multiphase reactors..