Hydrodynamics of Gas-Liquid Reactors Normal Operation and Upset Conditions

Professor Barry Azzopardi is based in the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham. Barry is responsible for multiphase flow research , with particular focus on phase separation in reaction vessels, drop size measurement in complex systems, demisting, gas cleaning and flow in aero-engine bearing chambers. He has over 70 technical publications.

Professor Robert Mudde is based in the Department of Multiscale Physics in the Faculty of Applied Science, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. His research interests include bubbly flows, advanced experiments in multiphase flows and multiphase hydrodynamics. He has authored more than 50 refereed journal papers and is an associate editor of the International Journal of Multiphase Flow.

S. Lo, CD Adapco, (Computational Engineering Company, London)

H. Morvan, Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, University of Nottingham

Y.Y. Yan, Associate Professor, School of the Built Environment, University of Nottingham

Donglin Zhao, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham

List of Tables xix

Preface xxi

Nomenclature xxiii

1. Introduction 1

Part One

2. Bubble Columns 5

2.1 Introduction 6

2.2 Types of Bubble Columns 6

2.3 Introduction of Gas 7

2.3.1 Methodology of Gas Injection 8

2.3.2 Bubble Formation and Size Change 11

2.3.3 Bubble Movement 16

2.3.3.1 Bubble Shape 16

2.3.3.2 Bubble Motion 17

2.3.3.3 Bubble Velocity 17

2.3.3.4 Effect of Multiple Bubbles 21

2.3.4 Void Fraction Prediction 22

2.3.5 Detailed Behaviour of the Flow 33

2.3.6 Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer 37

2.3.7 Design of Gas Introduction Arrangement 41

2.3.8 Worked Example 42

2.4 Disengagement of Liquid from Gas 43

2.4.1 Mechanisms of Drop Formation 43

2.4.2 Drop Capture 44

2.4.3 Wave Plate Mist Eliminators 47

2.4.4 Mesh Mist Eliminators 51

Questions 54

References 56

3. Sparged Stirred Vessels 61

3.1 Introduction 62

3.2 Flow Regimes 63

3.3 Variations 65

3.4 Spargers 65

3.5 Impellers 67

3.5.1 Disc Turbines 67

3.5.2 Pitched Blade Turbines 69

3.5.3 Hydrofoil Impellers 69

3.5.4 Multiple Impellers 72

3.6 Baffles 72

3.7 Power Requirements 73

3.7.1 Single Impellers 73

3.7.2 Multiple Impellers 75

3.7.3 Single-Phase Power 76

3.8 Gas Fraction 77

3.9 Mass Transfer 79

3.9.1 Bubble Size 79

3.9.2 Interfacial Area 80

3.9.3 Mass Transfer 81

3.10 Mixing Times 84

Questions 85

References 87

4. Thin Film Reactors 91

4.1 Introduction 91

4.2 Falling Film Reactors 92

4.2.1 Film Thickness 96

4.2.2 Interfacial Waves 99

4.2.3 Heat and Mass Transfer 102

4.3 Rotating Disc Reactors 105

4.3.1 Film Thickness 105

4.3.2 Interfacial Waves 107

4.3.3 Mass Transfer 108

4.4 Two-Phase Tubular Reactors 109

4.5 Monolith Reactors 113

4.5.1 Micro-Channels 115

4.5.2 Flow Phenomena in Micro-Channels 115

4.5.3 Numerical Modelling 117

Questions 119

References 120

5. Macroscale Modelling 125

5.1 Introduction 126

5.2 Eulerian Multiphase Flow Model 128

5.2.1 Definition 128

5.2.2 Transport Equations 128

5.2.2.1 Continuity Equation 129

5.2.2.2 Momentum Equation 129

5.2.2.3 Energy Equation 130

5.2.3 Interfacial Forces 130

5.2.3.1 Drag Force 130

5.2.3.2 Lift Force 132

5.2.3.3 Virtual Mass Force 132

5.2.3.4 Turbulent Drag Force 133

5.2.3.5 Basset Force 133

5.2.3.6 Wall Lubrication Force 133

5.2.4 Turbulence Models 134

5.2.5 Case Study – Cylindrical Bubble Column 135

5.2.6 Homogenous and Mixture Modelling 135

5.2.6.1 General Formulation 136

5.2.6.2 Mixture Model 137

5.3 Poly-Dispersed Flows 139

5.3.1 Methods of Moments 139

5.3.1.1 Breakup Model 140

5.3.1.2 Coalescence Model 141

5.3.2 Case Study – Hibiki’s Bubble Column 142

5.3.2.1 Numerical Solution Method 142

5.3.2.2 Results and Discussion 142

5.3.2.3 Summary of Case Study 148

5.4 Gassed Stirred Vessels 149

5.4.1 Impeller Model 149

5.4.2 Multiple Reference Frame 150

5.4.3 Multiple Impellers 150

5.5 Summary 154

Questions 155

References 156

6. Mesoscale Modelling Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method 159

6.1 Introduction 159

6.2 Lattice Boltzmann Method and the Advantages 161

6.3 Numerical Simulation of Single-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer 163

6.3.1 LBM Model 164

6.3.2 Treatment for a Curved Boundary 166

6.3.3 Numerical Simulation and Results 167

6.4 Numerical Simulation of Two-Phase Flow 169

6.4.1 Two-Phase Lattice Boltzmann Model 169

6.4.2 Vortices Merging in a Two-Phase Spatially Growing Mixing Layer 175

6.4.3 Viscous Fingering Phenomena of Immiscible Two-Fluid Displacement 176

6.4.4 Bubbles/Drops Flow Behaviour 178

6.4.4.1 LBM Method 178

6.4.4.2 Correction of Pressure 181

6.4.4.3 Boundary Treatment 181

6.4.4.4 Results of Two Rising Bubbles Coalescence 183

6.4.4.5 Results of Droplet Spreading on Partial Wetting Surface 185

References 187

Part Two

7. Upset Conditions 193

7.1 Introduction 193

7.2 Active Relief Methods 194

7.3 Passive Relief Methods 195

References 199

8. Behaviour of Vessel Contents and Outflow Calculations 201

8.1 Introduction 201

8.1.1 Physics of Venting Processes 201

8.1.2 Typical Reactions 202

8.1.3 Trends and Observations 203

8.1.4 Summary of Observations and Measurements of the Level Swell Process 210

8.2 Modelling of the Level Swell Process 212

8.3 Vent Sizing and Vent Performance Calculations 216

8.4 Computer Codes for Level Swell and Venting Calculations 220

8.5 Obtaining Necessary Data 222

8.6 Performance of Models and Codes 226

Appendix 8.A 228

Appendix 8.B 230

Questions 233

References 235

9. Choked Flow 237

9.1 Introduction 237

9.2 Single-Phase Flow 239

9.3 Two-Phase Flow 241

9.4 Effect of Vent Pipework 250

Questions 255

References 256

Part Three

10. Measurement Techniques 259

10.1 Bubble Columns 260

10.1.1 Gas Hold-Up 260

10.1.2 Local Probes: Conductance or Refraction Index 261

10.1.2.1 Gas Fraction 261

10.1.2.2 Bubble Size and Velocity 263

10.1.3 Wire Mesh Sensors 264

10.1.4 Photographic Techniques 266

10.1.5 Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) 267

10.1.6 Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) 268

10.1.7 Electrical Tomography Methods (ECT and ERT) 269

10.1.8 c and X-Ray Tomography 273

10.1.9 CARPT and PEPT 277

10.1.10 Acoustic Methods 279

10.1.11 Mass Transfer Coefficient 281

10.2 Sparged Stirred Tanks 283

10.2.1 Power Draw 283

10.2.1.1 Strain Gauges 284

10.2.1.2 Measurement of Motor Power 285

10.2.1.3 Modified Rheometer Method 285

10.2.2 Velocity Field 285

10.2.3 Void Fraction 286

10.2.4 Mixing Time 286

10.2.5 Mass Transfer Coefficient 288

10.3 Falling Film Reactors 290

10.3.1 Film Thickness 290

10.3.2 Heat and Mass Transfer 296

Questions 300

References 302

Index 307

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