Simulations of bubble column reactors using a volume of fluid approach: Effect of air distributor

Abid Akhtar, Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd, Collie, WA, Australia

Abstract

Two- and three-dimensional numerical simulations have been performed on a laboratory scale bubble column reactor using a volume-of-fluid approach. The effect of hole-size and superficial gas velocity on the bubble size distribution and their trajectories has been investigated on a 20 cm diameter and 1 m high cylindrical reactor. All simulations were performed in a transient manner using a FLUENT solver. Surface tension between two phases has been modelled as a body force with a constant value. Turbulence was modelled using the k-(epsilon) turbulence approach. A comparison between simulation predictions and the reported experimental studies has shown a good agreement.