Performance analysis and quantitative design of a flow‐guiding sieve tray by computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

An evolution of the traditional sieve tray, the flow‐guiding sieve tray (FGST), has been utilized in many separation processes, especially for handling viscous systems. The objectives of this work are to optimize the design process of FGSTs and realize the full potential of their separation performance. A computation fluid dynamic (CFD) model that incorporated the modified interphase momentum transfer term was developed. Simulated measures of hydrodynamic performance, such as pressure drop, weeping, entrainment, and clear liquid height agree well with the experimental data, thus verifying the accuracy and reliability of the CFD model established in this work. Furthermore, based on the obtained hydrodynamic parameters, a quantitative model for designing flow‐guiding holes was established and validated by modifying an experimental FGST (diameter 476 mm) and reconstructing an industrial sieve‐tray tower (diameter 1,200 mm). The hydrodynamic parameters and quantitative model are of vital importance for better design and further modification of FGST.

Nye tray vs sieve tray: A comparison based on computational fluid dynamics and tray efficiency

“…Solari and Bell reported nearly identical velocities at the upstream and downstream of the flow (on a line with the same Z coordinates); thus, the obtained velocities in this study were compared with the linear mean of upstream and downstream velocities reported by Solari and Bell. As mentioned previously, we assumed a parabolic liquid velocity profile, [15,21,27] while Solari and Bell simply ignored the profile. Figure 3 shows a view of Solari and Bell's tray along with a horizontal cross section of the simulated trays (the red lines indicate the positions where average liquid velocities were measured).…”

“…The results were in good agreement with experimental data. Other studies [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] have investigated the hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and efficiency of sieve trays using CFD. Some scholars studied the hydrodynamic simulation of valve trays.…”

CFD Simulation and Optimal Design of a New Parabolic–Shaped Guided Valve Tray

“…Distillation columns are essential equipment to separate liquid mixtures widely used in chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries [1][2][3][4]. The performance of the valve tray can directly affect the raw material handling capacity and product quality.…”

Nye Tray Versus Sieve Tray: Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Parameters

“…In addition, stability factors were calculated using the dry pressure drop and the clear liquid height for the two trays and compared based on the weep rates. Many researchers have already studied the hydraulics of trays by CFD or experiments [24][25][26][27][28]. However, there are many issues about industrial trays and towers that have not yet been fully investigated.…”