CFD simulation of liquid holdup in a three-phase countercurrent turbulent contact absorber

CFD study of a turbulent contact absorber (TCA) for Type I and Type II regimes is performed where Eulerian approach is used with closures from using Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow (KTGF). Liquid holdup (LHU), expanded bed height (EBH) and bed pressure drop were calculated to compare simulation results with experi-mental data. It is found that CFD can be used confidently to calculate these variables. EBH for Type I regime is more than Type II regime with increasing gas velocity. Slight increase in the EBH is noted with increase in liquid velocity for both regimes. LHU and pressure drop is remains almost constant for all gas velocity, but increases with increasing liquid velocity. It is concluded that the results of EBH, pressure drop, and LHU are in close agreement with the experimental findings. Simulation results are in better agreement with experiments as compared to the results predicted by relevant correlations.

Automated summary

A CFD study of a turbulent contact absorber (TCA) for Type I and Type II regimes was conducted using the Eulerian approach with closures derived from the Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow (KTGF). Liquid holdup (LHU), expanded bed height (EBH), and bed pressure drop were calculated and compared with experimental data. It was found that CFD can accurately predict these variables. EBH was higher for Type I regime compared to Type II regime at higher gas velocities. Slight increase in EBH was observed with increasing liquid velocities for both regimes. LHU and pressure drop remained almost constant for all gas velocities, but increased with increasing liquid velocities. The results of EBH, pressure drop, and LHU showed close agreement with experimental findings. Simulation results were in better agreement with experiments compared to correlations.