Comparison of mixing performance between stationary-baffle and moving-baffle batch oscillatory baffled columns via numerical modeling

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical comparison of the mixing performance between two configurations of batch oscillatory baffled column: the stationary-baffle column and the moving-baffle column. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software was used to investigate the effect of various oscillation conditions on fluid flow and mixing for both configurations. Population balance modeling was used to validate each column using droplet size distribution data for multiphase flow simulations. Column performance was evaluated in terms of power requirement, axial and radial flow dominance, and mixing time. The results suggest that better convective mixing occurs in stationary-baffle columns due to the increased axial velocity magnitudes produced for this configuration of column with respect to moving-baffle columns operating at the same oscillation frequency and amplitude.

Keywords:

• CFD
• mixing time
• OBC
• overset mesh
• population balance modeling