Computational fluid dynamics modeling of viscous liquid flow characteristics and end effect in rotating packed bed

Abstract Processing viscous fluid system in industrial applications is one of the challenges in process intensification. In this work, a two-dimensional CFD model was developed to reveal viscous liquid flow characteristics in the injection zone, inner cavity, packing zone and outer cavity of rotating packed bed (RPB). The CFD results agreed well with the published experimental data. The transition of the liquid flow pattern in RPB was discussed with operating conditions. The liquid viscosity showed no significant influence on the liquid holdup and the average diameter of droplets in RPB. In addition, the liquid holdup and droplet diameter decreased as rotational speed increased, and increased as liquid flow rate increased. Based on the simulated results of residence time distribution along radial direction, the end effect zone of RPB was specified, and a novel way was proposed to quantify the thickness of end effect zone. Results showed that the viscosity had great influence on the end effect zone, which had guiding significance for practical operations and configuration optimization.