Numerical Simulation of Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer in Bubble Column Using the Wray-Agarwal Turbulence Model Coupled with PBM

The mechanism of the gas-liquid flow and mass transfer in the bubble column has always been the hotspot for scholars due to the complex gas-liquid interphase interaction. This work established a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model for simulating the physical absorption of CO2 to study the gas-liquid flow and mass transfer characteristics in a bubble column, combining the single equation Wray-Agarwal turbulence model, population balance model, and gas-liquid mass transfer model. Compared with the eddy cell model and the slip penetration model, the predicted values of the modified eddy cell mass transfer model were more consistent with the experimental results, and the errors were within +/- 10%. The flow field characteristics with and without mass transfer were studied, and the results showed that the gas holdup, bubble diameter, and gas-liquid interface area changed by more than 250, 100, and 120%, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of the gas flow rate and static liquid height on the gas-liquid flow field and mass transfer characteristics were analyzed. These results could provide a solid foundation for further research and development of the bubble column.

Automated summary

This study established a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model to simulate the gas-liquid flow and mass transfer characteristics in a bubble column. The predicted values of the modified eddy cell mass transfer model were found to be more consistent with experimental results. The study showed significant changes in gas holdup, bubble diameter, and gas-liquid interface area with and without mass transfer. Furthermore, the gas flow rate and static liquid height were found to have varying effects on the gas-liquid flow field and mass transfer characteristics.