Numerical Simulation of Dispersed Gas/Liquid Flows in Bubble Columns at High Phase Fractions using OpenFOAM ^®. Part I - Modeling Basics

Various chemical products are synthesized in processes using gas/liquid reactors with bubbly flows. Hence, there is a significant interest in a more efficient process design as well as in process intensification with a strong focus on this reactor class. However, the design of industrial gas/liquid reactors requires more detailed information about the flow structures and characteristics of two- or multiphase systems. The basic models for two-fluid model simulations of dispersed gas/liquid flows in bubble columns at high gas fractions are presented. The two-fluid model has proven to be an appropriate tool for the simulation of gas/liquid flows in large industrial-scale bubble columns. Various effects in dense bubble swarms are considered by means of detailed physically sound modeling. The basic models for two-fluid model simulations of dispersed gas/liquid flows in bubble columns at high gas fractions are presented.