Three-dimensional simulations of a three-phase flow in conical-bottom draft
-tube bubble columns were performed using a finite-volume flow simulation t
echnique. Simulated gas volume fraction and column circulation times agree
with the experimental observations of Pironti el al. (Chemical Engineering
Journal, 60, 155-160). Furthermore, the simulations showed the same loss of
column circulation as observed experimentally when the column was operated
with the draft-tube in its highest position. The simulation code employed
an unstructured grid method along with a multifield description of the mult
iphase flow dynamics. Modeled physical phenomena included momentum exchange
and turbulence due to both sheer and slip among phases. (C) 2000 Elsevier
Science Ltd. All rights reserved.