Computational fluid dynamics modeling of gas-solid fluidized bed reactor: Influence of numerical and operating parameters

In this paper, the most influential parameters (numerical and operating parameters) affecting the performance of fluidized bed reactors are studied. The investigated parameters are constitutive and numerical parameters, minimum fluidization velocity, operating pressure, temperature, gas distributor, and particle size distribution (PSD). Furthermore, the recent methods for solving population balance equations coupled with computational fluid dynamic (CFD-PBM) are discussed. The direct quadrature method of moments (DQMOM) was found to be the most efficient method for CFD-PBM coupled simulations. It must be pointed out that due to the computational cost there is limitation on the application of CFD in practical reactor with detailed mass/heat transfer and reaction mechanisms, especially under industrial operating condition.