Estimation of k L a values in a Bench-Scale Stirred Tank Reactor Equipped with a Self-Inducing Impeller

Abstract : A multiphase CFD simulation methodology has been developed and proposed for the estimation of the spatial distribution of L ka values in a bench-scale reactor equipped with a self-inducing impeller. The importance of estimating an apparent drag coefficient that considers the effect of turbulence on the gas bubbles rising velocity is also tackled in this work. This has been done by using different correlations available in the literature: the Brucato, the Modified Brucato and the Pinelli correlation. The spatial distribution of L ka values in the agitated vessel has been obtained from the CFD results using Danckwert's surface renewal model. An analysis of the gas volume fraction distribution obtained from the simulations has been performed in order to choose the most suitable drag model. The modified Brucato correction correlation for the drag force shows the best agreement with experimental data.