(419f) A CFD-DEM-Vof Model to Simulate Bubble-Liquid-Particle Three-Phase Flow | AIChE

(419f) A CFD-DEM-Vof Model to Simulate Bubble-Liquid-Particle Three-Phase Flow

The simulation of interactions between bubbles, liquid, and particles is crucial for understanding the intricate mechanisms in three-phase systems. Numerous numerical models have been developed to tackle such simulations, each offering unique insights into the dynamics of these complex systems.

One widely used approach is the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method, first introduced by Hirt in 1981, which has been extensively applied to model liquid-gas multiphase flows. Additionally, Mulbah provided a comprehensive review of VOF methods for simulating bubble dynamics, shedding light on their utility and limitations. Moreover, various models, such as resolved CFD-DEM and unresolved CFD-DEM methods, have been developed to simulate particulate flow dynamics. These models offer valuable tools for investigating the behavior of particles in diverse environments.

Furthermore, researchers have begun to integrate multiple numerical models to capture the intricate interactions between liquids, bubbles, and particles. For instance, Ge et al. (2020) employed an unresolved VOF-DEM model to study particle dynamics within liquid slugs in a vertical gas-liquid-solid Taylor flow microreactor. Similarly, Shen et al. (2022) developed a resolved CFD-VOF-DEM model to investigate the interaction between gas-liquid two-phase fluids and irregularly shaped particles, showcasing the potential of combined approaches in capturing complex phenomena.

Despite the wealth of studies on three-phase flow, there remains a notable gap in research concerning wettability effects. Addressing this gap, this work proposes a novel CFD-VOF-DEM model that incorporates wettability interactions, offering a more comprehensive understanding of bubble-liquid-particle flows. By accounting for wettability effects, this model promises to provide deeper insights into the behavior of three-phase systems, facilitating advancements in various fields, from chemical engineering to environmental science.