Role of interfacial forces in bubble column simulations

his paper deals with interfacial force modeling in bubble column simulation. A square bubble column is studied by performing 3D transient simulations within the Eulerian–Eulerian approach and the numerical results have been compared with experimental data. Simulations have been performed to understand the sensitivity of different interphase exchange forces (drag, lift, turbulent dispersion, wall lubrication and virtual mass forces). 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 improves the modelling accuracy. The wall lubrication force enhances the predictions of the recirculation pattern. The virtual mass force is also discussed.