One-equation model to assess population balance kernels in turbulent bubbly flows

Frederic Augier (1) , Eleonora Gilli (1) , Pedro Maximiano Raimundo (1)

1 IFPEN - IFP Energies nouvelles

A simplified population balance model has been developed to predict the Sauter mean diameter, and to optimize any breakage and coalescence kernel. Firstly, the shortcut model is detailed, and the simplifying assumptions are argued. Then the model is applied in a comparison of 60 combinations of a selection of classical breakage, collision frequency and coalescence efficiency kernels. The models are fitted and then compared with an experimental dataset measured in two different technologies of interest for biotechnology: bubble columns (Gemello et al., 2018), and stirred tanks (Cappello et al., 2020). The best kernels are identified for each flow configuration separately, and some kernels are identified as giving acceptable predictions simultaneously of both flows (average error on bubble size less than 20%).

Keywords: Multiphase reactors; Population Balance; Model; Bubble column; Stirred reactor

Domains: Chemical Sciences

Frederic Augier, Eleonora Gilli, Pedro Maximiano Raimundo. One-equation model to assess population balance kernels in turbulent bubbly flows. Chemical Engineering Science, 2021, 229, pp.116096. ⟨10.1016/j.ces.2020.116096⟩. ⟨hal-03105413⟩