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Chemical Engineering Science, Vol.59, No.13, 2597-2606, 2004
Modelling of a RDC using a combined CFD-population balance approach
In the present study we propose an extension of the Euler/Lagrangian approach for liquid-liquid two phase flows when the volume fraction of the dispersed phase is not small. The continuous phase velocity is obtained by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations augmented with the k-epsilon turbulence model. The motion of the dispersed phase is calculated by solving the equations of motion taking into account inertia, drag and buoyancy forces. The coupling between the phases is described by momentum source terms and the terms that account for turbulence generation by the droplets' motion. Collision and breakage of the droplets are treated by a single particle Monte-Carlo stochastic simulation method. This method is based on a mass flow formulation and operator splitting technique. For validation of the numerical procedure the droplet size distribution and flow fields in a rotating disc contactor are calculated and compared with the existing experimental results. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.