The flow pattern in a bubble column depends upon the column diameter, heigh
t, sparger design, superficial gas velocity and the nature of gas-liquid sy
stem. In this paper, the effect of some of these parameters have been simul
ated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The relationship of these pa
rameters with the interphase force terms has been discussed. A complete ene
rgy balance has been established. Using this methodology, the flow patterns
reported by Hills (1974), Menzel et al. (1990), Yao et al. (1991) and Yu a
nd Kim (1991) have been simulated. Excellent agreement has been shown betwe
en the CFD predictions and the experimental observations. The above model h
as been extended to homogenization of an inert tracer. In order to confirm
this model, mixing experiments were carried out in a 200 mm i.d. bubble col
umn. A radioactive tracer technique was used for the measurement of mixing
time. Tc-99m ((99m) Tc), in the form of sodium pertechnate salt, was used a
s the liquid phase tracer. Good agreement has been shown between the predic
ted and the experimental values of mixing time. The model was further exten
ded for the estimation of axial dispersion coefficient (D-L). Excellent agr
eement between the simulated and the experimental values of the axial dispe
rsion coefficient confirms the predictive capability of the CFD simulations
for the mixing process.