Flow visualization of heavy oil in a packed bed using real-time neutron radiography

A Review of Modeling Rotating Packed Beds and Improving Their Parameters: Gas–Liquid Contact

The aim of this review is to investigate a kind of process intensification equipment called a rotating packed bed (RPB), which improves transport via centrifugal force in the gas–liquid field, especially by absorption. Different types of RPB, and their advantages and effects on hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and power consumption under available models, are analyzed. Moreover, different approaches to the modeling of RPB are discussed, their mass transfer characteristics and hydrodynamic features are compared, and all models are reviewed. A dimensional analysis showed that suitable dimensionless numbers could make for a more realistic definition of the system, and could be used for prototype scale-up and benchmarking purposes. Additionally, comparisons of the results demonstrated that Re, Gr, Sc, Fr, We, and shape factors are effective. In addition, a study of mass transfer models revealed that the contact zone was the main area of interest in previous studies, and this zone was not evaluated in the same way as packed beds. Moreover, CFD studies revealed that the realizable k-ε turbulence model and the VOF two-phase model, combined with experimental reaction or mass transfer equations for analyzing hydrodynamic and mass transfer coefficients, could help define an RPB system in a more realistic way.