Numerical modeling of bubbly flow in square column

Bubble columns are widely used in the energy, chemical and biochemical process industry. In this paper, a square bubble column is studied by performing 3D transient simulations within the Eulerian–Eulerian approach. The commercial code ANSYS Fluent Release 14.5.7 has been used. Simulations have been performed to understand the sensitivity of different interphase exchange forces (drag, lift, turbulent dispersion, wall lubrication and virtual mass forces). The numerical results have been compared with experimental data from the literature. The nature of the drag coefficient is found to have a significant effect on the global hydrodynamics. The inclusion of a lift force is found to be necessary to obtain a local axial velocity distribution that is consistent with the experimental measurements. The inclusion of a turbulent dispersion force is fount to improve the modelling accuracy. The wall lubrication force enhances the predictions of the recirculation pattern. The virtual mass force is also discussed. Finally, recommendations on suitable closures are given