CFD simulation of the structured packings: A review

A general-purpose tool for modeling multifunctional thin porous media (POREnet): From pore network to effective property tensors

POREnet, a novel approach to model effective properties of thin porous media, TPM, is presented. The methodology allows the extraction of local effective property tensors by volume averaging from discrete pore networks, PNs, built on the tessellated continuum space of a TPM. The gradient theorem is used to describe 3D transport in bulk tessellated space, providing an appropriate metric to normalize network fluxes. Implemented effective transport properties include diffusivity, permeability, solid-phase conductivity, and entry capillary pressure and contact angle under two-phase conditions, considering multi-component materials with several solid phases and local contact resistances. Calculated property tensors can be saved on 3D image stacks, where interfacial and sub-CV scale features can be added before exporting data to CFD meshes for simulation. Overall, POREnet provides a general-purpose, versatile methodology for modeling TPM in an ample range of conditions within a single CFD framework. Among other advantages, coupling of PN and continuum models at TPM-channel interfaces is simplified, interfacial contact resistances can be included using robin boundary conditions, and transient multiphysics simulations can be implemented more easily using CFD. The code is tested against a miscellaneousness of examples extracted from electrochemical applications.

Influence of extruded injector nozzle on fuel mixing and mass diffusion of multi fuel jets in the supersonic cross flow: computational study

The efficient injection system has a great role on the overall enactment of air breathing propulsion systems at supersonic flow. In this work, the usage of extruded multi-injectors in the fuel distribution and mixing through the combustor is fully investigated. The usage of the extruded nozzles considerably intensifies the formation of the vortices nearby the injectors and this research has tried to visualize the role of these vortices on the diffusion of the fuel jet through the combustor of the scramjet. The influences of the jet space on the strength of produced circulations are fully discussed. The simulation of the high-speed air stream moving the combustion chamber with extruded nozzles is done via Computational Fluid dynamics. Based on our computational data, the use of extruded multi-jets enhances the penetration and diffusion of the hydrogen cross jet in supersonic airflow. Increasing the gap between injectors improves fuel mixing performance by up to 27% downstream of the jets, primarily by enhancing the lateral penetration of the fuel jet.

Improvment of combined solar chimney power plant with gas power plant

Recently, several researches have been done to improve the perfomance of solar chimney power plants (SCPP) and increase their low output power during hours when the solar radiation is limited. In this study, by combining a SCPP and a gas power plant, the output power is increased and the power output of the combined power plant can be gained at all hours of the day and night. Pipes are buried under the ground and the outlet hot gas from gas power plant flows through the buried pipes instead of being released into the atmosphere through the stacks. Flowing of hot gas through the buried pipes at the soil under the canopy increases the temperature of soil which is exposed to the solar radiation. Increasing of the soil temperature leads to the growth in the value of air temperature under the canopy. The air density reduces as the air temperature increases which leads to the increase of air velocity and output power. By applying the buried pipes, the output power is not zero during the hours when there is no radiation flux. The results for air temperature, heat loss and output power are studied in detail and it is shown that the use of buried pipes in which hot gas flows leads to the increase of the output power of SCPP by 554%, 208% and 125% at the radiation flux of 200 W/m², 500 W/m² and 800 W/m², respectively.

A theoretical probe into the separation of CO2/CH4/N2 mixtures with polysulfone/polydimethylsiloxane-nano zinc oxide MMM

In the current investigation, molecular dynamics (MD) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation as remarkable and competent approaches have been employed for understanding structural and transport properties of MMMs in the realm of gas separation. The two commonly used polymers i.e. polysulfone (Psf) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as well as zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) were used to carefully examine the transport properties of three light gasses (CO₂, N₂ and CH₄) through simple Psf, Psf/PDMS composite loaded by different amounts of ZnO NP. Also, the fractional free volume (FFV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), glass transition temperature (T_g), and Equilibrium density were calculated to scrutinize the structural characterizations of the membranes. Moreover, the effect of feed pressure (4-16 bar) on gas separation performance of simulated MMMs was investigated. Results obtained in different experiments showed a clear improvement in the performance of simulated membranes by adding PDMS to PSf matrix. The selectivity of studied MMMs was in the range from 50.91 to 63.05 at pressures varying from 4 to 16 bar for the CO₂/N₂ gas pair, whereas the corresponding value for CO₂/CH₄ system was found to be in the range 27.27-46.24. For 6 wt% ZnO in 80%PSf + 20%PDMS membrane, high permeabilities of 78.02, 2.86 and 1.33 barrers were observed for CO₂, CH₄ and N₂ gases, respectively. The 90%PSf + 10%PDMS membrane with 2% ZnO had a highest CO₂/N₂ selectivity value of 63.05 and its CO₂ permeability at 8 bar was 57 barrer.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of two-phase flow patterns in a serpentine microfluidic device

In the current research work, the flow behavior of a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) process in a serpentine microchannel was analyzed. The simulation was performed using a 3D model and the results were found to be consistent with experimental data. The impact of the flow of chloroform and water on the flow model was also examined. The data indicate that once the aqua and organic phases flow rates are low and similar, a slug flow pattern is observed. However, as the overall flow rate raises, the slug flow transforms into parallel plug flow or droplet flow. An increment in the aqua flows while maintaining a constant organic phase flow rate results in a transition from slug flow to either droplet flow or plug flow. Finally, the patterns of flow rate in the serpentine micro-channel were characterized and depicted. The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the behavior of two-phase flow patterns in serpentine microfluidic devices. This information can be used to optimize the design of microfluidic devices for various applications. Furthermore, the study will demonstrate the applicability of CFD simulation in investigating the behavior of fluids in microfluidic devices, which can be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to experimental studies.

The application of non-uniform magnetic field for thermal enhancement of the nanofluid flow inside the U-turn pipe at solar collectors

The improvement of heat transfer inside the solar heat exchangers is important for the development of solar energy in an urban area. In this study, the usage of a non-uniform magnetic field on the thermal efficiency of the nanofluid (Fe₃O₄) streaming inside the U-turn pipe of solar heat exchangers is examined. Computational fluid dynamic is applied to visualize the nanofluid flow inside the solar heat exchanger. The role of magnetic intensity and Reynolds number on thermal efficiency are fully investigated. The effect of single and triple sources of the magnetic field is also studied in our research. Obtained results indicate that the usage of the magnetic field results in the production of vortex in the base fluid and heat transfer improves inside the domain. Our finding indicates that the usage of the magnetic field with Mn = 25 K would improve the average heat transfer by about 21% along the U-turn pipe of solar heat exchangers.

Influence of lateral single jets for thermal protection of reentry nose cone with multi-row disk spike at hypersonic flow: computational study

The main challenge for the advancement of current high-speed automotives is aerodynamic heating. In this study, the application of lateral jet for thermal protection of the high-speed automotives is extensively studied. The simulation of the lateral coolant jet is done via Computational fluid dynamic at high-velocity condition. Finding optimum jet configuration for reduction of the aerodynamic heating is the main goal of this research. Two different coolant jets (Helium and Carbon dioxide) are investigated as coolant jet and flow study and fuel penetration mechanism are fully presented. In addition, the thermal load on the main body of nose cone is compared for different configurations. Our results specify that the injection of lateral jet near the tip of spike is effective for thermal protection of main body via deflection of bow shock. Also, Carbon dioxide jet with lower diffusivity is more effective for the protection of forebody with multi-row disk from sever aerodynamic heating.

Numerical investigation of compressible flow around nose cone with Multi-row disk and multi coolant jets

Due to sever aerodynamic heating, the protection of forebody of scramjet is crucial for hypersonic flight. In present work, a new cooling system is proposed and investigated for the protection of nose cone at hypersonic flight. Computational fluid dynamic is used for the simulation of the lateral and axial coolant jet released from the spike at high-velocity condition. The primary goal is to find optimum jet location for efficient cooling of nose and spike assembly. Influence of two coolant jets (Carbon dioxide and Helium) on the mechanism of cooling system are fully investigated. For simulation, RANS equations are coupled with species transport equation and SST turbulence model. Two different jet configurations (axial disk positions) are investigated to obtain efficient condition for protection of nose cone at hypersonic flight. Our results indicate that the presence of the spike on the nose cone decreases pressure up to 33% on the main body and the shifts the maximum pressure to higher angles because of the deflection of the air stream. Maximum pressure drops about 50% by injection of the coolant disk jet (C2) at angle of 55 deg.

Influence of non-uniform magnetic field on the thermal efficiency hydrodynamic characteristics of nanofluid in double pipe heat exchanger

Enhancement of the heat transfer rate inside the double pipe heat exchangers is significant for industrial applications. In present work, the usage of non-uniform magnetic field on the heat transfer rate of the nanofluid flow streamed inside double pipe heat exchangers are comprehensively studied. Computational technique of CFD is used for the visualization of the nanofluid hydrodynamic in existence of the magnetic source. Influences of the magnetic intensity and nanofluid velocity on the heat transfer are also presented. Simple algorithm is used for the modeling of the incompressible nanofluid flow with addition of magnetic source. Presented results show that magnetic source intensifies the formation of the circulation in the gap of the inner tube and consequently, heat transfer is enhanced in our domain. Comparison of different geometries of tube reveals that the triangle tube is more efficient for improvement of the heat transfer of nanofluid flow. Our results indicate that heat transfer in the tube with triangular shape is more than other configurations and its performance is 15% more than smooth tube.

Numerical study of lateral coolant jet on heat reduction over nose cone with double-aerodome at hypersonic flow

One of the main challenges in designing a supersonic forebody is thermal protection. The application of the mechanical spike mounted at the nose considerably decreases the heat load on the main body. In this investigation, the hybrid technique of mechanical spike and coolant injection are examined to reduce the thermal load on the nose cone in the supersonic air stream. A three-dimensional model of a double aerodisked spike with different cooling systems is provided to find the efficient cooling injection system for reducing the heat load on the nose cone. Computational studies have been done on investigating a cooling mechanism in the proposed injection systems. This study has tried to present valuable information on flow features and shock interaction nearby the nose. The influence of different coolant gas on the thermal performance of the proposed configurations is comprehensively explained. Our results indicate that the cooling performance of single carbon dioxide is 85% more than helium jet in lateral injection. According to our findings, the cooling performance of lateral multi-jets is 90% more than opposing ones.

Influence of coolant multi-jets on heat reduction of nose cone with blunt spike at hypersonic flow

The importance of the cooling system for the design of the forebody of high-speed vehicles is significant due to severe aerodynamic heating at hypersonic flight. In the present study, injection of multi and single-coolant jets on the thermal performance of forebody design of nose cone with the cut spike is thoroughly investigated at hypersonic flow. A three-dimensional model of the blunt cone is presented for computational investigations of proposed jet and spike configurations. Injection of two coolant gasses (Helium and carbon dioxide) into the cooling system of the nose cone with a blunt spike is investigated. Three locations for both opposing and lateral jets are compared to find the efficient jet location. Our results indicate that a single lateral jet injected from the tip of the spike is more efficient for heat reduction. A comparison of the multiple injection system also shows that the heat reduction of the helium gas is about 15% more than CO2 jets.

Employing computational fluid dynamics technique for analyzing the PACK-1300XY with methanol and isopropanol mixture

In this study, an innovative wire gauze structured packing, namely PACK-1300XY with a specific surface area of 1300 m²/m³ has been characterized by performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Indeed, different features of this packing (height equivalent to a theoretical plate, wet/dry pressure drop, and mass transfer efficiency) were analyzed by analyzing the flow regime using the three-dimensional CFD approach with the Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase scenario. The results showed the mean relative deviation of 16% (for wet pressure drop), 14% (for dry pressure drop), and 17% (for mass transfer efficiency) between the CFD predictions and experimental measurements. These excellent levels of consistency between the numerical findings and experimental observations approve the usefulness of the CFD-based approach for reliable simulation of separation processes.

Appling the computational fluid dynamics studies of the thermogravitational column for N2-CO2 and He-Ar gas mixtures separation

In the present work, three-Dimensional stationary numerical simulations were accomplished for a deeper understanding of the gas mixtures separation by the thermogravitational column. To address the optimum condition and examine the limitation of the process, the thermogravitational column behavior has been thoroughly analyzed. First, the simulation model was validated by the experimental results of Youssef et al. then the model was developed for the pilot column. The mixture of helium-argon was chosen as feed composition. It was concluded that the variation of the separation factor in relation to pressure for both columns was almost the same. The optimum condition verified as p = 0.2  atm , θ = 0.4 , m ° = 4   SCCM $p=0.2\text{atm},\theta =0.4,m{\degree}=4\,\text{SCCM}$ .

A Review on Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer Coefficients in Packed-Bed Columns

This review provides a thorough analysis of the most famous mass transfer models for random and structured packed-bed columns used in absorption/stripping and distillation processes, providing a detailed description of the equations to calculate the mass transfer parameters, i.e., gas-side coefficient per unit surface ky [kmol·m−2·s−1], liquid-side coefficient per unit surface kx [kmol·m−2·s−1], interfacial packing area ae [m2·m−3], which constitute the ingredients to assess the mass transfer rate of packed-bed columns. The models have been reported in the original form provided by the authors together with the geometric and model fitting parameters published in several papers to allow their adaptation to packings different from those covered in the original papers. Although the work is focused on a collection of carefully described and ready-to-use equations, we have tried to underline the criticalities behind these models, which mostly rely on the assessment of fluid-dynamics parameters such as liquid film thickness, liquid hold-up and interfacial area, or the real liquid paths or any mal-distributions flow. To this end, the paper reviewed novel experimental and simulation approaches aimed to better describe the gas-liquid multiphase flow dynamics in packed-bed column, e.g., by using optical technologies (tomography) or CFD simulations. While the results of these studies may not be easily extended to full-scale columns, the improved estimation of the main fluid-dynamic parameters will provide a more accurate modelling correlation of liquid-gas mass transfer phenomena in packed columns.