WattsApp in Multiphase Systems by Gravity-Driven Buoyancy and Settling

Power and energy balances are described for simplified gravity-driven multiphase flows. It is emphasized that the power (-> Watts) or energy input by gravity impulse must be found back as the sum of all power or energy consumptions from the flow processes (-> Application). Examples are given for bubble columns and for batch liquid-liquid separation processes, based on simplified assumptions regarding the flow behavior. For large-scale apparatus, the flow characteristic of the involved phases is more complex and needs to be modeled more precisely. That is still a key challenge for scaling-up multiphase systems. Computational fluid dynamics is an adequate instrument but needs to be further developed and enhanced for multiphase flows in large-scale processes. And of course, any rigorous model must then be verifiable by a power balance.

Automated summary

In simplified gravity-driven multiphase flows, it is essential to ensure that the power or energy input by gravity impulse matches the sum of all power or energy consumptions from the flow processes. The complexity of flow characteristics in large-scale apparatus requires more precise modeling. Computational fluid dynamics is a useful tool but requires further development for multiphase flows in large-scale processes.