Reduction of empiricism through flow visualization and computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

In chemical process industry, a variety of equipment is used for carrying out different unit operations and unit processes. The design procedures for this equipment have been largely empirical due to the complexity of fluid mechanics. In view of this, a stepwise procedure has been suggested based on experimental fluid dynamics (EFD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). One application of EFD and CFD is presented for the prediction of the heat transfer coefficient in the single-phase turbulent pipe flow. The present capabilities of CFD for the design of different process equipment have been outlined.