Computational modeling of the fluid dynamics in a tubular reactor equipped with different static element configurations

A Reynolds average Navier Stokes (RANS) modeling approach is employed in the description of the single-phase turbulent fluid dynamics in a pipe equipped with Kenics static elements (KSEs). The uncertainties related to the domain discretization are quantified to allow a robust validation of the computational model with experiments. The local flow fields and the pressure drop as predicted by different turbulence models adopted in the literature are compared with purposely collected particle image velocimetry and pressure transducer data. The computational model is employed for studying the local fluid dynamics produced by different configurations of the KSEs, in terms of mean and turbulent flow variables, and mean age of the flow. The results are discussed from the perspective of a carbon mineralization process run in a proposed novel reactor configuration, where phenomena such as the multiphase fluid dynamics and interphase mass transfer are fundamental. The computational model identified for the simulation of such system is based on the transient solution of the RANS equations with the k − ω SST (shear stress transport) turbulence model. The alternating Kenics configuration can be employed to enhance the turbulent dissipation rate, and therefore, the bubble breakup and interphase mass transfer coefficient. On the contrary, the configuration with KSEs in the same orientation can be exploited for inline gas separation due to the strong angular accelerations, producing phase segregation based on the density difference between the phases. Indeed, this work lays the foundations to extend the computational approach to multiphase gas-liquid simulations.