Modelling for gas-liquid bubbling flow and mass transfer with OpenFOAM

A general two-phase flow and mass transfer CFD model for bubbling system was established based on OpenFOAM (open-source field operation and manipulation). The influence of each phase parameter of the Blend interface model was investigated to ensure the accuracy and stability of the simulations. The interphase force models (like drag, lift, turbulent) and multi-size bubble models (ie, the population balance equation and the interfacial area transport equation) were studied and compared with aid of the visual bubble measurements. Furthermore, the multi-size bubbling flow coupled mass transfer model was successfully verified by the experiments, which can provide a free open-source modelling method for the industrial application.

Automated summary

In this study, a general two-phase flow and mass transfer CFD model for bubbling system was developed based on OpenFOAM. The accuracy and stability of the simulations were ensured by investigating the influence of each phase parameter of the Blend interface model. The interphase force models (such as drag, lift, turbulent) and multi-size bubble models (population balance equation and interfacial area transport equation) were studied and compared using visual bubble measurements. Furthermore, the validity of the multi-size bubbling flow coupled mass transfer model was successfully verified by experiments, offering a free and open-source modeling method for industrial applications.