Abstract
We present a comprehensive literature review on the two-phase bubble column; in this review we deeply analyze the flow regimes, the flow regime transitions, the local and global fluid dynamics parameters, and the mass transfer phenomena. First, we discuss the flow regimes, the flow regime transitions, the local and global fluid dynamics parameters, and the mass transfer. We also discuss how the operating parameters (i.e., pressure, temperature, and gas and liquid flow rates), the operating modes (i.e., the co-current, the counter-current and the batch modes), the liquid and gas phase properties, and the design parameters (i.e., gas sparger design, column diameter and aspect ratio) influence the flow regime transitions and the fluid dynamics parameters. Secondly, we present the experimental techniques for studying the global and local fluid dynamic properties. Finally, we present the modeling approaches to study the global and local bubble column fluid dynamics, and we outline the major issues to be solved in future studies.
Highlights
Bubble columns are multiphase reactors where the gas phase is dispersed into a continuous phase in the form of a “non-coalescence-induced” bubble or of “coalescence-induced” structures
We presented a literature review on bubble column fluid dynamics at different scales and deeply analyzed the flow regimes, flow regime transitions and local and the global fluid dynamics parameters
We presented experimental techniques for studying the global and local fluid dynamic properties, and we discussed the modeling approaches for studying the global and local bubble column fluid dynamics
Summary
Bubble columns are multiphase reactors where the gas phase is dispersed into a continuous phase (e.g., a liquid phase in two-phase bubble columns or a suspension in slurry bubble columns) in the form of a “non-coalescence-induced” bubble or of “coalescence-induced” structures. Despite the simple system design, bubble columns are characterized by complex fluid dynamic interactions [5]. For this reason, their correct design and operation rely on the precise knowledge of the fluid dynamic phenomena on different scales: (i) “molecular-scale”, (ii) “bubble-scale”, (iii) “reactors-scale”, and (iv) “industrial-scale” (see Figure 1). The review is structured as follows: In Section 2, we discuss how the operating parameters, operating modes, liquid and gas phase properties, and design parameters influence the flow regime transitions and the fluid dynamics parameters.
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