This
paper shows that one-dimensional (1-D) [and three-dimensional (3-D)
computational fluid dynamics (CFD)] simulations can replace the
state-of-the-art usage of pseudo-homogeneous dispersion or back mixing
models. This is based on standardized lab-scale cell experiments for the
determination of droplet rise, breakage, coalescence and mass transfer
parameters in addition to a limited number of additional mini-plant
experiments with original fluids. Alternatively, the hydrodynamic
parameters can also be derived using more sophisticated 3-D CFD
simulations. Computational 1-D modeling served as a basis to replace
pilot-plant experiments in any column geometry. The combination of 3-D
CFD simulations with droplet population balance models (DPBM) increased
the accuracy of the hydrodynamic simulations and gave information about
the local droplet size. The high computational costs can be reduced by
open source CFD codes when using a flexible mesh generation. First
combined simulations using a three way coupled CFD/DPBM/mass-transfer
solver pave the way for a safer design of industrial-sized columns,
where no correlations are available.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280875946_CFD_based_extraction_column_design_-_Chances_and_challenges