Saad Khan MFHT Assignment
Saad Khan MFHT Assignment
Assignment No. 01
Submitted By
Saad Khan
Reg. No. 11-6-1-008-2023
MS Process Engineering
Submitted To
Dr. Atta Ullah
Submission date
15 November, 2024
In multiphase flow systems, a primary phase is typically continuous, while secondary phases are
dispersed within it. These secondary phases, such as particles, bubbles, or droplets, are defined
by specific diameters that help model their interactions, including drag forces with the primary
phase. The classification of multiphase flows considers factors like volume fraction and flow
regime, which can range from laminar to turbulent based on phase distribution and flow
conditions. Common types of flow regimes include Bubbly Flow (Discrete gas bubbles dispersed
in a continuous liquid phase),Droplet Flow(Liquid droplets suspended in a continuous gas
medium), Slug Flow (Large gas bubbles traveling through a liquid),Annular Flow ( A continuous
liquid film along the walls with gas flowing in the center), Stratified Flow(Immiscible fluids
flow in layers, separated by a distinct interface)
Each flow regime requires specific modeling approaches and is influenced by whether the
system is diluted or dense (based on the secondary phase's volume fraction). Modeling
multiphase flows accurately is challenging due to the diverse behaviors and interactions between
phases. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers several modeling methods to handle these
complexities: the Lagrangian Method tracks individual particles or bubbles within the flow,
effective for dilute systems where particles do not interact significantly. Eulerian-Eulerian Model
treats each phase as interpenetrating and solves separate momentum equations, ideal for flows
with complex phase interactions. Eulerian-Granular Model expands on the Eulerian approach by
incorporating granular physics to simulate particle-particle and particle-wall interactions, suitable
for dense flows like fluidized beds. Discrete Element Method models individual particles and
their collisions in fluid, especially in systems with large particle sizes and complex dynamics.
Numerical methods for these models include macroscopic approaches (e.g., finite
volume/element methods), microscopic approaches (e.g., molecular dynamics), and mesoscopic
approaches (e.g., lattice Boltzmann method), each chosen based on the scale and nature of the
problem. An essential aspect of multiphase modeling is determining the degree of interaction, or
coupling, between phases: One-Way Coupling the continuous phase influences the dispersed
phase (e.g., particles affected by fluid drag) without any feedback on the continuous phase. In
Two-Way Coupling the interaction is mutual; particles or droplets influence the flow dynamics
of the continuous phase and vice versa. Four-Way Coupling extends two-way coupling by
considering particle-particle collisions, where interactions create additional forces like particle
pressure and viscous stresses. This coupling level is necessary for dense systems where particle
interactions significantly impact the flow.
Several physical phenomena are crucial in dispersed multiphase systems: Hydrodynamics
governs particle dynamics, shape changes, coalescence, breakup, and particle relaxation time,
which indicates how quickly particles adjust to new flow conditions. Heat and Mass Transfer
occur within and between phases, further influencing the flow behavior and temperature
distribution across the system. Particle Relaxation Time indicates how rapidly a particle adapts to
velocity changes in the flow, with smaller particles typically adjusting more quickly than larger
ones.
These parameters affect overall system behavior, such as particle trajectories, interactions with
boundaries, and response to external forces. CFD simulation is instrumental in various
multiphase flow applications, particularly in fluidized beds, risers, and mixing vessels. In these
systems , Fluidized Beds CFD helps model the flow of gas through particles to predict gas-solid
interactions, particle distribution, and velocity patterns. In Mixing Vessels multiple impeller
designs enhance gas dispersion and liquid mixing, and CFD provides insights into flow patterns
and phase mixing. In Risers and Pipelines simulations help manage the flow of gas-liquid or gas-
solid mixtures, optimizing the separation and transport processes.
CFD also addresses practical issues in multiphase flow modeling, such as tuning drag terms to
match experimental data for phenomena like minimum fluidization velocity and bubbling
frequency, which are influenced by factors like particle shape, size, and cohesiveness. The
conservation of mass and momentum is fundamental in analyzing multiphase flows, often
formulated through a two-fluid model where unique continuity and momentum equations are
applied to each phase. In multiphase systems, understanding superficial versus true velocities is
also vital. Superficial velocity describes the overall flow rate of each phase, while true velocity
considers the actual phase distribution and slip velocity between phases. Overall, multiphase
flow and heat transfer analysis is vital in engineering applications, where the choice of modeling
approach depends on system requirements and phase interactions. By integrating theoretical
models with advanced CFD simulations, engineers can design and optimize complex multiphase
systems for improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in industrial settings.