Euler-Lagrange Simulations of Microstructured Bubble Columns Using a Novel Cutting Model

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Reaction Engineering

Background:

• Microstructured bubble column reactors utilize catalyst-coated meshes to enhance interfacial area and hydrodynamics by cutting bubbles.
• Previous work established a closure model for bubble-wire mesh interactions based on energy balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the developed closure model for bubble cutting in microstructured bubble columns using Euler-Lagrange simulations.
• To refine the deceleration thickness definition for virtual mass calculations, incorporating liquid viscosity and wire thickness.

Main Methods:

• Euler-Lagrange simulations were employed to validate the bubble cutting closure model against experimental data.
• The model's accuracy was assessed by comparing predicted bubble size reduction, pH, and gas holdup with experimental results.

Main Results:

• The validated cutting closure model accurately predicts bubble size reduction by wire meshes, matching experimental data.
• Simulations incorporating the model provide more accurate predictions of reactor performance, including pH and gas holdup.
• The model accurately replicates the effect of liquid viscosity on bubble size reduction.

Conclusions:

• The validated model enhances the prediction of microstructured bubble column reactor performance.
• Bubble cutting is significant, but bubble coalescence and breakup dominate at high gas velocities, indicating areas for model improvement.
• The validated cutting model offers insights for designing wire meshes to maximize bubble interfacial area.