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Abstract: The aim of this study was to find models for turbulent fragmenting forces in the high-pressure homogeniser from data available in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) turbulence models. In addition to the more common RANS k–ε turbulence models, a Multi-scale k–ε model was tested since experimental investigations of the geometry imply large differences in behaviour between turbulent eddies of different length-scales. Empiric models for the driving hydrodynamic factors for turbulent fragmentation using the extra information given by multi-scale simulations were developed. These models are shown to give a more reasonable approximation of local fragmentation than models based on the previously used RANS k–ε models when comparing to hydrodynamic measurements in an experimental model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the state of the art regarding the understanding of axial mixing in pulsed columns. Residence Time Distribution (RTD) experiments carried out mainly between 1986 and 2002 are reviewed in connection with fluid mechanics studies and CFD simulations. Based on prior work by Buratti (1988), a new model is established to correlate the continuous phase axial dispersion coefficient with the operating conditions in a wide range of operating (pulse intensity up to 7.5cms−1) and geometric conditions (0.17≤H/D≤1.33), thereby reducing the estimation error from 143% to 21% in the case of small-aspect ratio columns (H/D<1), such as those used in nuclear research, and from 95% to 27% in the case of (possibly annular) industrial size columns. Experimental results are relatively well reproduced by RANS-type computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, provided a low-Reynolds model is used for the turbulent viscosity estimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since the emulsification in the High-Pressure Homogenizer (HPH) is controlled by hydrodynamic forces, the turbulent flow field in the valve region is of significant interest. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations have been used for this in many studies. However, there are reasons to question if the utilized turbulence models, with their inherent assumptions and simplifications, could accurately describe the influential aspects of the flow. This study compares CFD simulations using the methods from previous studies with experimental measurements in a model HPH valve. The results show that the region upstream of the gap can be described accurately regardless of turbulence model and that the gap region can be captured by using one of the more refined k−ε models. None of the studied turbulence models were able to describe the details of the highly turbulent region downstream of the gap. The obtained results are also discussed in relation to generalizability and limitations in using CFD simulations for understanding the emulsification in the HPH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics as a simulation tool allows obtaining a more detailed view of the fluid flow and heat transfer mechanisms in fixed-bed reactors, through the resolution of 3D Reynolds averaged transport equations, together with a turbulence model when needed. In this way, this tool permits obtaining of mean and fluctuating flow and temperature values in any point of the bed. An important problem when modeling a turbulent flow fixed-bed reactor is to decide which turbulence model is the most accurate for this situation. To gain insight into this subject, this study presents a comparison between the performance in flow and heat transfer estimation of five different RANS turbulence models in a fixed bed composed of 44 homogeneous stacked spheres in a maximum space-occupying arrangement in a cylindrical container by solving the 3D Navier–Stokes and energy equations by means of a commercial finite volume code, Fluent 6.0. Air is chosen as flowing fluid. Numerical pressure drop, velocity and thermal fields within the bed are obtained. In order to judge the capabilities of these turbulence models, heat transfer parameters (Nu , k /k ) are estimated from numerical data and together with the pressure drop are compared to commonly used correlations for parameter estimations in fixed-bed reactors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]