Comparison of CFD simulations to experiment for convective heat transfer in a gas-solid fixed bed

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies can improve understanding of fix ed bed fluid flow and heat transfer. Our long-term objective is to use the CFD results in the development of tractable reactor models that are based o n a good understanding of the fluid flow phenomena. The CFD simulations of fluid flow and heat transfer require verification to increase confidence in their use for model development. Results of a quantitative comparison betw een CFD results and heat transfer experimental data are given here. Simulat ions are presented for a model geometry of 44 solid spheres in a tube with tube-to-particle diameter ratio equal to 2. Velocity vector profiles and te mperature contours have been obtained with emphasis on the wall-particle re gion. Comparisons are made with measured temperature profiles in a typical experimental setup with the same geometry Several correction factors were r equired to compensate for non-ideal experimental measurements, and for phen omena that were not included in the CFD model. After correction, excellent agreement could be obtained between simulation and experiment. (C) 2001 Els evier Science B.V. Ah rights reserved.