Analysis of orientation distribution in numerically generated random packings of Raschig rings in a cylindrical container

At present, application of numerical methods in generation of random packing geometries has appeared to be the alternative approach for complex and expensive experimental methods. Digital reconstruction of packed beds allows for detailed insight into the packing globally and locally. This work is devoted to the numerical generation of random packings of Raschig rings applied mostly in separation processes. The study is focused on the analysis of particles orientation with respect to the container axis. The investigation was performed globally and locally in various regions of the container: near wall, core and the bottom zone. The analysis concerns both varying particle height to particle diameter and column diameter to particle diameter ratios. The influence of the varying particle height to particle diameter ratio on global bed void fraction was also examined. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.