Simultaneous Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation of the Hydrodynamics and Mass Transfer in a Partially Aerated Bubble Column

Abstract

In this work, simultaneous hydrodynamics and mass-transfer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies in a rectangular partially aerated bubble column were conducted. The proposed transient Eulerian−Eulerian model was applied to a two-phase flow composed of polydispersed air and water. Four different kl correlations were implemented in the CFD code, and the results were compared. At superficial gas velocity values ranging from 2.4 mm/s to 21.3 mm/s, the developed flow regimes were experimentally characterized by means of visual observations, global gas holdup, plume oscillation period, and Sauter mean bubble diameter measurements. Simultaneously, the transfer of oxygen from the disperse phase to the initially deoxygenized water was characterized by the measurement of the evolution of the dissolved oxygen concentration with time. Comparison between the experimental and simulated parameters previously mentioned allows for the validation of the computational model. According to the results presented in this ...