Next generation scalable models for mass transfer in packed column

K. Nandakumar*, Karl T. Chaung

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this talk we present our results on modeling the hydraulics and mass transfer in random and structured packed columns. Two distinctly different approaches are discussed. The first one is based on computational fluid dynamics wherein volume averaged equations for gas-liquid flow in a packed bed are used. The concept of volume averaging, its merits and limitations will be reviewed. This is done in the framework of interpenetrating continua and it requires closure relations to capture the interface transport processes such as drag and mass transfer. Hence predictions from such models must be validated against data from well controlled experiments. In our laboratory we measure the liquid distributions over Pall rings under various conditions and compare such data against CFD predictions. HETP data from Fractionation Research Inc. are used to validate mass transfer models. The main advantage of such an approach is that the model predictions can remain scale invariant over a certain range. Hence CFD models can help in minimizing scale up studies at the pilot plant scale. In an alternate approach, we simulate the random packing of complex shaped packing elements like Pall rings or Super Raschig rings in a container using collision detection algorithms. Once the position and orientation of each packing element is determined, we can interrogate the data to get porosity and surface area distribution within the bed. Such data can then be used in the CFD simulations or cell based models. We have explored both and these results will be discussed. The same approach is also used for studying not only performance of existing structured packings, but also in the design of new structured packings.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication10AIChE - 2010 AIChE Spring Meeting and 6th Global Congress on Process Safety
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event2010 AIChE Spring Meeting and 6th Global Congress on Process Safety, 10AIChE - San Antonio, TX, United States
Duration: 21 Mar 201025 Mar 2010

Publication series

Name10AIChE - 2010 AIChE Spring Meeting and 6th Global Congress on Process Safety

Conference

Conference2010 AIChE Spring Meeting and 6th Global Congress on Process Safety, 10AIChE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Antonio, TX
Period21/03/1025/03/10

Keywords

  • Chemical process models
  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • Multiphase flows

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