Simulation of Multi-Phase Flow in Autoclaves Using a Coupled CFD-DPM Approach

Abstract

In this work, a numerical simulation study on the mixing characteristics of multiphase flow in an autoclave was carried out using CFD technology. The Eulerian–Eulerian model and discrete phase model (DPM) were employed to investigate the solid holdup, critical suspension speed, nonuniformity of solid suspension, gas holdup distribution, bubble tracks, and residence time during stirring leaching in the autoclave. Experiments validate the accuracy of the numerical model, and the experimental values correspond well with the simulation results. The numerical simulation results show that the solid–liquid mixing is mainly affected by the axial flow, the best agitation speed is 400 rpm, and increasing the speed further cannot make the mixture more homogenous and buildup occurred above the autoclave. The calculated critical suspension speed is 406 rpm, which is slightly lower than that obtained from the empirical formula. The gas phase is mainly concentrated in the vortex area above the blade. When the gas phase is in a completely dispersed state (N = 300 rpm), the average residence time of the bubbles is 5.66 s.

Investigation on the Lubrication Heat Transfer Mechanism of the Multilevel Gearbox by the Lattice Boltzmann Method

“…Gearbox splash lubrication exists only in two phases: oil and gas. To analyze the oil distribution accurately, we select the VOF [32] (Volume of Fluid) two-phase flow model to analyze the internal flow field of the gearbox. The basic principle of the VOF model is to use the volume fraction (VOF function) to track and describe the interface location and morphology of different phases.…”

Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Phase Method Simulations in Process Engineering: A Review of Recent Progress

“…Future work could involve broader applications and comparisons with other metallurgical processes [87]. Kou et al applied a coupled CFD-DPM approach to simulate multiphase flow in autoclaves [94]. A potential limitation could be the complexity of the multiphase interactions, which may require further validation.…”

“…Future work could involve broader applications and comparisons with other metallurgical processes [87]. Kou et al applied a coupled CFD-DPM approach to simulate multiphase flow in autoclaves [94]. A potential limitation could be the complexity of the multiphase interactions, which may In summary, the progressive application of CFD-DPM in tracking metal inclusions and bubbles has led to a deeper understanding of multiphase flows, enabling the optimization of industrial processes, enhancing safety measures and informing the design of more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.…”

Effect of Inserting Baffles on the Solid Particle Segregation Behavior in Fluidized Bed Reactor: A Computational Study

“…Because the model is a solid-fluid multiphase model, it needs to account for forces acting on the particles, such as drag force and gravity force, whether in solid-gas or solid-liquid interactions, as investigated by Brazhenko et al [23]. Furthermore, drag force remains a key consideration in the gas-solid-liquid model investigated by Zhan et al [24], as well as in the CSTR model by Kou et al [25]. From Figure 5b, the increased diameter beyond the reaction zone resulted in a decrease in gas velocity.…”