CFD simulation of hrodynamics in bubble columns with perforated plate distributor

In order to design and scale up an efficient slurry bubble reactor for liquid fuel synthesis, the effects of distance between adjacent holes, superficial gas velocity, initial liquid height and opening area on local profile of phase holdup are explored experimentally and numerically in the bubble columns with perforated plate distributor. Simulated overall gas holdup by the standard k-ε turbulence model in the commercial CFD software platform (ANSYS CFX 10.0) show good agreement with experimental measurement within the column. The results show that an obvious jet flow from each holes and bed surface fluctuation at the liquid surface can be observed at both superficial gas velocities and distances between adjacent holes. The greater the superficial gas velocity, the deeper the jet flow. Smaller distance between adjacent holes and higher superficial gas velocity can make the jet flow merge in a lower axial position. The effect of initial liquid height on the flow pattern of the column can be ignored, while a larger overall gas holdup can be obtained when operated at a higher superficial gas velocity or a larger opening area of the distributor as the dead zone is weaken.