Numerical simulation of dispersed gas-liquid flows

Abstract

This paper reviews the available information on numerical simulation of dispersed gas-liquid flows. Emphasis is on informing the reader about various aspects of constructing simulation models rather than giving an exhaustive literature review. The information is organised in a way so as to provide answers to the following questions: how to formulate model equations? how to select suitable algorithms and numerical techniques to solve these model equations? how to translate these into workable computer codes? how to use such codes for simulating flows in industrial equipment? Though greater emphasis is given to dispersed gas-liquid flows, the methodology can be applied to any multi-phase problem. Special features of multi-phase flow simulation over single-phase simulation are highlighted. A case of gas-liquid flow in a bubble column is presented as an illustration for the general methodology. The simulated mean flow field agrees reasonably with the experimental data. Properly validatedcfd codes thus can serve as a useful tool for design engineers of multi-phase systems. Some of the common pitfalls in using simulation codes for design are also discussed. This review is expected to give an overall idea about the present state-of-art of two-phase simulation in industrial equipment.