Unresolved CFD-DEM simulation of adsorption process with different particle shapes in radial flow adsorber--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Zhang, R., Peng, J., Wang, Y., Tang, Z., Li, W., & Zhang, D. (2024). Unresolved CFD-DEM simulation of adsorption process with different particle shapes in radial flow adsorber. Particuology, 94, 133-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2024.07.014

Unresolved CFD-DEM simulation of adsorption process with different particle shapes in radial flow adsorber

Runye Zhang^{a 1}, Jie Peng^{a 1}, Yaohui Wang^a, Zhongli Tang^a, Wenbin Li^b, Donghui Zhang^a *

a The Research Center of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
b Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China

10.1016/j.partic.2024.07.014

Volume 94, November 2024, Pages 133-145

Received 10 May 2024, Revised 12 July 2024, Accepted 23 July 2024, Available online 31 July 2024, Version of Record 14 August 2024.

E-mail: donghuizhang@tju.edu.cn

Highlights

• The developed CFD-DEM method is combined with adsorption model in Euler-Lagrange framework.

• Radial momentum, mass, and heat exchange are enhanced by particle packing structure.

• Particle orientation is a significant factor affecting mass and heat transfer process.

Abstract

The design and operation of radial flow adsorber are crucial in large-scale industrial oxygen production, which necessitate accurate prediction of gas-solid transfer behavior. In this work, a developed Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) model combined with the adsorption model is proposed. The developed CFD-DEM model is validated by comparing simulated results with experimental data and empirical correlation. Subsequently, the effect of particle packing structure and particle shapes on the dynamic adsorption process are analyzed in detail. The results reveal the mechanism of particle packing structure affecting axial velocity distribution, showing that uneven distribution of resistance on the outer flow channel side leads to uneven axial velocity distribution in the bed. Compared to cylindrical adsorbents, the use of spherical adsorbents results in a more uniform axial velocity distribution, consequently reducing bed pressure drop. The study holds significant potential for optimizing gas distribution and improving separation efficiency in future industrial applications.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Vacuum pressure swing adsorption; Oxygen production; Radial flow adsorber; CFD-DEM

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