No abstract

A model for the design of micropacked-bed reactors via correlations, capable of providing a reliable estimation of two-phase flow dynamics and mass-transfer coefficients, is lacking, especially when the particle size of the bed is around 100 μm. In this work, we present a validation of the use of the phase-field method for reproducing two-phase flow experiments found in the literature. This numerical simulation strategy sheds light on the impact of the micropacked-bed geometry and wettability on the formation of preferential gas channels.Counter-intuitively, to homogenize the two-phase flow hydrodynamics and reduce radial masstransfer limitations, solvent wettability of the support needs to be restricted -showing best performance when the contact angle ranges 60º and capillary forces are still dominant. The tuning of gas-liquid-solid interactions by surface wettability modification opens a new window of opportunity for the design and scale-up of micropacked-bed reactors.2

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