Oscillatory power number, power density model, and effect of restriction size for a moving‐baffle oscillatory baffled column using CFD modelling

Abstract

AbstractAlthough single‐hole oscillatory columns have been studied since the 1990s, to this day there is an absence of appropriate dimensionless groups to express the hydrodynamic conditions and power requirement for the moving‐baffle oscillatory baffled column (OBC). This paper uses computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software coupled with moving overset meshing to aid in the derivation of the first dimensionless oscillatory power number for OBCs. In terms of the moving‐baffle OBC, this work marks the first time a power density equation has been derived specifically to account for this column's unique hydrodynamic profile. Equations for period‐averaged Reynolds number and period‐averaged Strouhal numbers were developed to better estimate the fluid intensity within these moving‐baffle columns. This work serves as an example of how complex and challenging flow regimes, such as periodically oscillating flow, can be simplified and analyzed to produce appropriate design equations.