A Review of Modeling Rotating Packed Beds and Improving Their Parameters: Gas–Liquid Contact

Abstract

The aim of this review is to investigate a kind of process intensification equipment called a rotating packed bed (RPB), which improves transport via centrifugal force in the gas—liquid field, especially by absorption. Different types of RPB, and their advantages and effects on hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and power consumption under available models, are analyzed. Moreover, different approaches to the modeling of RPB are discussed, their mass transfer characteristics and hydrodynamic features are compared, and all models are reviewed. A dimensional analysis showed that suitable dimensionless numbers could make for a more realistic definition of the system, and could be used for prototype scale-up and benchmarking purposes. Additionally, comparisons of the results demonstrated that Re, Gr, Sc, Fr, We, and shape factors are effective. In addition, a study of mass transfer models revealed that the contact zone was the main area of interest in previous studies, and this zone was not evaluated in the same way as packed beds. Moreover, CFD studies revealed that the realizable k-ε turbulence model and the VOF two-phase model, combined with experimental reaction or mass transfer equations for analyzing hydrodynamic and mass transfer coefficients, could help define an RPB system in a more realistic way.

Advances in research project IBUMECO2: project and process description, methodology, and goals expected

“…This equipment operates via centrifugal acceleration, which influences the hydrodynamics improving energy efficiency during the absorption stage. 25 Although the packed tower is the conventional equipment in this type of process, RPB can be an attractive option because it provides a high mass transfer performance, which entails size and cost savings for CO 2 capture. This aspect will be fully explained in the Intensification technology to remove CO2 from biogas Section.…”

“…The calculation of the fluid properties, packing type, flow direction, flooding aspects, and pressure drop into the equipment are the characteristics design parameters that will be considered. 25,48,49…”

“…These correlations are not widely available in the literature, and they are crucial for scaling‐up. The calculation of the fluid properties, packing type, flow direction, flooding aspects, and pressure drop into the equipment are the characteristics design parameters that will be considered 25,48,49 …”

“…As a potential technological improvement for CO 2 absorption with NaOH, in this project RPB is proposed, as discussed above. RPB can be a very promising alternative to packed bed towers for reducing costs in CO 2 capture due to its high mass transfer performance, considerable size savings and use of less regeneration energy consumption 25,27,28 . Table 1 shows some advantages of RPB regarding with conventional packed columns.…”

Modelling of 3D liquid dispersion in a rotating packed bed using an Eulerian porous medium approach

“…The rotating packed bed (RPB) is one of the many novel multi-phase contactors and reactors that can reduce the size of the packed bed because the mass transfer can be much improved due to the centrifugal force (100-1000 times that of gravity) that is exerted (Adamu et al, 2020;Cortes Garcia et al, 2017Ghadyanlou et al, 2021).…”