Detailed simulations of heterogeneous reactions in porous media using the Lattice Boltzmann Method

• Flows though porous media are commonly found in many systems, both natural and manmade. A few examples from nature include petroleum reservoirs, soil and solid biomass where industrial applications include fuel cells, foams and packed beds. Most of these areas are still subject to both scientific and engineering challenges ranging from basic understanding to detailed optimization. A non-trivial part of the remaining challenges includes the interaction between macro-scale performance and micro-scale characteristics. For some systems, it is possible to control and tune micro-scale properties to optimize the overall performance of the application. This scenario typically manifests in the design of packed beds, especially when reactions occur within the bed. In such situations, particle shape and size distribution will affect not only the pressure drop (and hence the preferential flow paths), but also local reaction rates and thereby efficiency and selectivity. This work aims to understand and identify key design parameters that influences reactions within a packed bed, and ultimately, the overall performance of the pack- ing. Representative microstructures of packed beds are generated with a Discrete Element Method. Flow, temperature and concentration fields (cf. Figure 1) are then fully resolved using the Lattice Boltzmann Method with a first order reaction scheme at the boundaries. Residence time, flow structures and permeability of the systems are correlated to conversion and selectivity of the chemical reactions in the system. Comparisons between packings of different particle shapes and spacing serve to eluci- date phenomena involved in the process and implies design directions for macro-scale optimization.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Energiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Energy Engineering (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Strömningsmekanik och akustik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

CFD

Lattice Boltzmann Method

Fixed Bed

Porous Media

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