Analysis of the flow field and pressure drop in fixed-bed reactors with the help of lattice Boltzmann simulations
Zeiser T, Steven M, Freund H, Lammers P, Brenner G, Durst F, Bernsdorf J (2002)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2002
Journal
Original Authors: Zeiser T, Steven M, Freund H, Lammers P, Brenner G, Durst F, Bernsdorf J
Publisher: Royal Society, The
Book Volume: 360
Pages Range: 507-520
Journal Issue: 1792
Abstract
The pressure drop of technical devices is a crucial property for their design and operation. In this paper, we show how the results of lattice Boltzmann simulations can be used in science and engineering to improve the physical understanding of the pressure drop and the flow inhomogeneities in porous media, especially in sphere-packed fixed-bed reactors with low aspect ratios. Commonly used pressure drop correlations are based on simplified assumptions such as the capillary or tortuosity model, which do not reflect all hydrodynamic effects. Consequently, empirical correlations for certain classes of media have been introduced in the past to bridge the gap between the models and the experimental findings. As is shown in this paper by the detailed analysis of the velocity field in the void space of packed beds, the pressure drop is due to more complex hydrodynamics than considered in the above-mentioned models. With the help of lattice Boltzmann simulations, we were able to analyse the different contributions to the total dissipation, namely shear and deformation of the fluid, for different geometries over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. We further show that the actual length of the flow paths changes considerably with the radial and circumferential position.
Authors with CRIS profile
Thomas Zeiser
Regionales Rechenzentrum Erlangen (RRZE)
Hannsjörg Freund
Professur für Katalytische Reaktoren und Prozesstechnik
Franz Durst
Technische Fakultät
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Zeiser, T., Steven, M., Freund, H., Lammers, P., Brenner, G., Durst, F., & Bernsdorf, J. (2002). Analysis of the flow field and pressure drop in fixed-bed reactors with the help of lattice Boltzmann simulations. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A-Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences, 360(1792), 507-520. https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2001.0945
MLA:
Zeiser, Thomas, et al. "Analysis of the flow field and pressure drop in fixed-bed reactors with the help of lattice Boltzmann simulations." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A-Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences 360.1792 (2002): 507-520.
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