Numerical simulation of local bubble size distribution in bubble columns operated at heterogeneous regime

This work investigates the effect of lift force, turbulent dispersion force, bubble breakup models, bubble coalescence models, and the parameters in the class method for solving PBEs on the simulated local bubble size distribution (BSD) at various radial positions (r/R = 0.0, 0.27, 0.58 and 0.8), and the local Sauter mean diameter (S-d) in bubble columns. The results suggest that the local BSD and S-d are slightly affected by the radial positions but greatly influenced by the lift force and the parameters in the class method (e.g. the minimum bubble diameter and maximum bubble diameter). The prediction of BSD could be promoted by including the lift force. The local S-d increases with the increase of the minimum bubble diameter and the maximum bubble diameter. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The local bubble size distribution and Sauter mean diameter in bubble columns are influenced by the lift force and parameters in the class method, rather than the radial positions. Including lift force and increasing the minimum and maximum bubble diameters can improve the prediction accuracy of bubble size distribution.