Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Chemical Engineering Dept., University of Technology-Iraq, Alsina’a Street,10066 Baghdad, Iraq.
Abstract
Airlift reactors are seen as the most promising reactor for many valuable productions such as algae culturing. However, this kind of reactor still needs more information and data to understand its phenomena due to limited studies. Also, to reduce the time and offers obtained with sufficient reactor design, capable of achieving high productivities, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) could play an important role in optimizing the reactor design by analyzing the interaction of hydro-dynamics. This review presents the literature review on the recent CFD work for such a reactor that addressed the fluid dynamics parameters, such as bubble dynamics. Earlier researches find more reports utilizing uniform bubble diameter in CFD simulations. However, the latest research in the CFD modeling of multi-phase flow reactors showed that the description of the bubble has significant effects on the performance of the simulation. As a result, systematic research into the impact of bubble diameter on the simulation results of the CFD was performed. Finally, we present and discuss the CFD modeling approaches, a Governing equation such as Eulerian-Eulerian (E-E), and closure such as the drag force.
Graphical Abstract
 "Air-lift Reactor's Characterization via Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD): Review")
Highlights
- Many CFD models for Air-lift reactors are reviewed.
- Flow regime, bubble properties, and hydrodynamics characteristics are covered.
- Available closure correlations are investigated
Keywords
Main Subjects
[1] D. J. Pollard, A. P. Ison, P. A. Shamlou, M. D. Lilly. Reactor Heterogeneity with Saccharopolysporaerythraea Airlift Fermentations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 58(1998) 453–463. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0290(19980605)58:53.0.CO;2-C.
[2] J. J. Heijnen,J. Hols, R. G. Van Der Lans, H. L. van Leeuwen, A. Mulder, and R. A. Weltevrede, Simple hydrodynamic model for the liquid circulation velocity in a full-scale two- and three-phase internal airlift reactor operating in the gas recirculation regime. Chem Eng Sci.52 (1997) 2527–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(97)00070-5.
[3] M. Y. Christi, Airlift Reactors: Current Technology, Airlift Bioreactors, (1989) 33–86. Chapter3.pdf (massey.ac.nz).
[4] Q. Huang, C. Yang, G. Yu, Z.-S. Mao, CFD simulation of hydrodynamics and mass transfer in an internal airlift loop reactor using a steady two-fluid model, Chem. Eng. Sci. 65 (2010) 5527–5536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2010.07.021.
[5] S. Talvy, A. Cockx, A. Liné, Modeling hydrodynamics of gas–liquid airlift reactor, Aiche J. 53 (2007) 335–353. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.11078.
[6] Mirn A., Gmez A, Camacho F, E M. Grima., and Y Chisit. Comparative evaluation of compact photobioreactors for large-scale monoculture of microalgae, 99 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6352(99)80119-2.
[7] Janssen, M.,Cultivation of microalgae: effect of light / dark cycles on biomass yiel,2002. ISBN: 90-5808-592-9.
[8] Luo, H. and Al-dahhan, M. H. Analyzing and Modeling of Photobioreactors by Combining First Principles of Physiology and Hydrodynamics 2004. https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.10831.
[9] H. Dhaouadi, S. Poncin, J.M. Hornut, G. Wild, and P. Oinas, Hydrodynamics of an airlift reactor: experiments and modeling, Chem. Eng. Sci. 51 (1996) 2625–2630. https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2509(96)00127-3.
[10] M. Šimčík, A. Mota, M.C. Ruzicka, A. Vicente, and J. Teixeira, CFD simulation and experimental measurement of gas hold-up and liquid interstitial velocity in internal loop airlift reactor, Chem. Eng. Sci. 66 (2011) 3268–3279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2011.01.059.
[11] M. Gluz, J. Merchuk, Modified airlift reactors: the helical flow promoters, Chem. Eng. Sci. 51 (1996) 2915–2920. https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2509(96)00174-1.
[12] P.-M. Wang, T.-K. Huang, H.-P. Cheng, Y.-H. Chien, and W.-T. Wu, A modified airlift reactor with high capabilities of liquid mixing and mass transfer, J. Chem. Eng. Jpn. 35 (2002) 354–359. https://doi.org/10.1252/jcej.35.354.
[13] T. Zhang, C. Wei, C. Feng, and J. Zhu, A novel airlift reactor enhanced by funnel in- ternals and hydrodynamics prediction by the CFD method, Bioresour. Technol. 104 (2012) 600–607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.008.
[14] M.H. Siegel, and J.C. Merchuk, Mass transfer in a rectangular air‐lift reactor: effects of geometry and gas re-circulation, Biotechnol. Bioeng. 32 (1988) 1128–1137. https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.260320906.
[15] Ziervogel, G. et al. 2008, Climate change and adaptation in African agriculture’, Training, 417, 53. Microsoft Word - SEI Rockefeller Africa Climate Report 4April08.doc (environmentportal.in).
[16] M. Blažej, M. Kiša, J. Markoš, Scale influence on the hydrodynamics of an internal loop airlift reactor, Chem. Eng. Process. Process. Intensif. 43 (2004) 1519–1527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2004.02.003.
[17] J.M. van Baten, J. Ellenberger, R. Krishna, Hydrodynamics of internal air-lift re- actors: experiments versus CFD simulations, Chem. Eng. Process. Process. Intensif. 42 (2003) 733–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0255-2701(02)00076-4
[18] Vesvikar, M. and Muthana Aldahhan. 2015, Hydrodynamics Investigation of Laboratory-Scale Internal Gas-Lift Loop Anaerobic Digester using Non-Invasive CAPRT Technique, 1, (2015) 573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.11.014
[19] H.-P. Luo, M.H. Al-Dahhan, Local characteristics of hydrodynamics in draft tube airlift bioreactor, Chem. Eng. Sci.63 (2008) 3057–3068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2008.03.015.
[20] H.-P. Luo, M.H. Al-Dahhan, Local gas hold-up in a draft tube airlift bioreactor, Chem. Eng. Sci. 65 (2010) 4503–4510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2010.04.037
[21] Sabri, L. S., Sultan, A. J. and Al-Dahhan, M. H. ‘Investigating the cross-sectional gas hold-up distribution in a split internal-loop photobioreactor during microalgae culturing using a sophisticated computed tomography (CT) technique’, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 149 (2019) 13–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2019.06.017
[22] Sabri, L. S., Sultan, A. J. and Al-Dahhan, M. H. Split internal-loop photobioreactor for Scenedesmus sp. microalgae: Culturing and hydrodynamics, Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, (2021), vol.33 236-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjche.2020.07.058
[23] R.F. Mudde, H.E.A. Van Den Akker, 2D and 3D simulations of an internal airlift loop reactor on the basis of a two-fluid model, Chem. Eng. Sci. 56 (2001) 6351–6358. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(01)00222-6
[24] H.-P. Luo, M.H. Al-Dahhan, Verification and validation of CFD simulations for local flow dynamics in a draft tube airlift bioreactor, Chem. Eng. Sci. 66 (2011) 907–923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2010.11.038
[25] G. V. Tagliaferro, H. J. IzárioFilho, A. K. Chandel, S. S. Silva, M. B. Silva, J. C. Santos, Continuous cultivation of Chlorella minutissima 26a in landfill leachate-based medium using concentric tube airlift photobioreactor, Algal Research, 2019, Vol.41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101549
[26] J. Behin, Modeling of modified airlift loop reactor with a concentric double-draft tube, Chem. Eng. Res. Des. 88 (2010) 919–927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2010.01.004
[27] O. O. Olaofe, K. A. Buist, N. G. Deen, .M. A. Van der Hoef, J. A. M. Kuipers, Simulation of particle mixing and segregation in disperse gas fluidized beds, Chem. Eng. Sci.108 (2014) 258-269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2014.01.009
[28] A. Couvert, M. Roustan, P. Chatellier, Two-phase hydro-dynamic study of a rectangular air-lift loop reactor with an internal baffle, Chem. Eng. Sci. 54 (1999) 5245–5252. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(99)00246-8
[29] J.C. Merchuk, M.H. Siegel, Air-lift reactors in chemical and biological technology, J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnology. 41 (1988) 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.280410204
[30] Y.Z. Li, Y.L. He, D.G. Ohandja, J. Ji, J.F. Li, T. Zhou, Simultaneous nitrification–denitrification achieved by an innovative internal-loop airlift MBR: comparative study, Bioresource. Technol. 99 (2008) 5867–5872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2007.10.001
[31] T. Zhang, C. Wei, A new developed airlift reactor integrated settling process and its application for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification nitrogen removal, The Scientific World Journal (2013)7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/345725
[32] L. Meng, Y. Bando, M. Nakamura, Dissolved oxygen distribution in a rectangular airlift bubble column for biological nitrogen removal, J. Chem. Eng. Jpn. 37 (2004) 1005–1011. https://doi.org/10.1252/jcej.37.1005
[33] L. Meng, N. Tsuno, Y. Bando, M. Nakamura, Enhancement of nitrogen removal in a rectangular airlift bubble column having aerobic and anaerobic regions by adding an immobilizing carrier, J. Chem. Eng. Jpn.37 (2004) 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1252/jcej.37.399
[34] Q. Meng, F. Yang, L. Liu, F. Meng, Effects of COD/N ratio and DO concentration on simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in an airlift internal circulation membrane bioreactor, J. Environ. Sci. 20 (2008) 933–939. 10.1016/s1001-0742(08)62189-0
[35] E. Garcı́a-Calvo, A. Rodrı́guez, A. Prados, J. Klein, A fluid dynamic model for three-phase airlift reactors, Chem. Eng. Sci. 54 (1999) 2359–2370. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(98)00302-9
[36] S. Hutmacher ‘Sensitivity Study on Modeling an Internal Airlift Loop Reactor Using a Steady 2D Two-Fluid Model’ chem. Eng. Tech. (2008) 1790–1798. https://doi.org/10.1002/ceat.200700278
[37] J.B. Joshi, Computational flow modelling and design of bubble column reactors, Chem. Eng. Sci. 56 (2001) 5893–5933. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(01)00273-1
[38] Chen, P., Sanyal, J. and Dudukovi, M. P.,Numerical simulation of bubble columns flows: effect of different breakup and coalescence closures, 60 (2005) 1085–1101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2004.09.070
[39] Jakobsen, H. A. and Dorao, C. A.,Modeling of Bubble Column Reactors: Progress and Limitations, 5107–5151,2005. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie049447x
[40] D. Lucas, E. Krepper, H.-M. Prasser, use of models for lift, wall and turbulent dispersion forces acting on bubbles for poly-disperse flows, Chemical Engineering Sciences 62 (2007) 4146–4157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2007.04.035
[41] Baten, J. M., Ellenberger, J. and Krishna, R. Hydrodynamics of internal air-lift reactors: experiments versus CFD simulations, 42 (2003) 733–742. Chem. Eng. Process. Process. Intensif. 42 (2003) 733–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0255-2701(02)00076-4
[42] Q.S. Huang, C. Yang, G.Z. Yu, Z.S. Mao, 3-d simulations of an internal airlift loop reactor using a steady two-fluid model, Chem. Eng. Technol. 30 (2007) 870–879. https://doi.org/10.1002/ceat.200700038
[43] S.B. Pawar, CFD analysis of flow regimes in airlift reactor using Eulerian- Lagrangian approach, Can. J. Chem. Eng. 95 (2016) 420–431. https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.22696
[44] S.M. Teli, C. Mathpati, Experimental and Numerical Study of Gas-Liquid Flow in a Sectionalized External-Loop Airlift Reactor, Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering (2020), doi: https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.cjche.2020.10.023
[45] Z. Qiao, et al. PVAm–PIP/PS composite membrane with high performance for CO2/N2 separation, AIChE Journal, 59 (2012) 215–228. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.13781
[46] N.T. Padial, W.B. VanderHeyden, R.M. Rauenzahn, S.L. Yarbro, Three-dimensional simulation of a three-phase draft-tube bubble column, Chem. Eng. Sci. 55 (2000) 3261–3273. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(99)00587-4
[47] V. Michele, D.C. Hempel, Liquid flow and phase hold-up—measurement and CFD modeling for two-and three-phase bubble columns, Chem. Eng. Sci. 57 (2002) 1899–1908. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(02)00051-9
[48] Y. Liew Shi, J. Gimbun, CFD simulation on the hydrodynamics in Gas-Liquid airlift reactor, Chem. Prod. Process. Model. (2017) 12. https://doi.org/10.1515/cppm-2017-0030
[49] M. Yang, D. Yu, M. Liu, L. Zheng, X. Zheng, Y. Wei, F. Wang, Y. Fan, Optimization of MBR hydrodynamics for cake layer fouling control through CFD simulation and RSM design, Bioresour. Technol. 227 (2017) 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2016.12.027
[50] M. Mohajerani, M. Mehrvar, F. Ein-Mozaffari, CFD analysis of two-phase turbulent flow in internal airlift reactors, Can. J. Chem. Eng. 90 (2012) 1612–1631. https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.20674
[51] N. Qi, K. Zhang, G. Xu, Y. Yang, H. Zhang, CFD-PBE simulation of gas-phase hydrodynamics in a gas-liquid-solid combined loop reactor, Pet. Sci. 10 (2013) 251–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-013-0274-5
[52] J.H. Li, Multi-scale Modeling and Method of Energy Minimization for Particle- fluid Two-phase Flow. PhD Thesis, Institute of Chemical Metallurgy, Academia Sinica, 1987.
[53] T. Xu, X. Jiang, N. Yang, J. Zhu, CFD simulation of internal-loop airlift reactor using EMMS drag model, Particuology,19 (2015) 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2014.04.016
[54] N. Yang, Z. Wu, J. Chen, Y. Wang, J. Li, Multi-scale analysis of gas–liquid inter- action and CFD simulation of gas–liquid flow in bubble columns, Chem. Eng. Sci. 66 (2011) 3212–3222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2011.02.029
[55] N. Yang, J. Chen, H. Zhao, W. Ge, J. Li, Explorations on the multi-scale flow structure and stability condition in bubble columns, Chem. Eng. Sci. 62 (2007) 6978–6991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2007.08.034
[56] Z. Deng, et al. Gas hold-up, bubble behavior and mass transfer in a 5m high internal-loop airlift reactor with non-Newtonian fluid, Chemical Engineering Journal, 160 (2010) 729–737. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2010.03.078
[57] T. Wang, J. Wang, Y. Jin, Population balance model for gas−Liquid flows: in- fluence of bubble coalescence and breakup models, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 44 (2005) 7540–7549. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie0489002
[58] X. Jia, J. Wen, H. Zhou, W. Feng, Q. Yuan, Local hydrodynamics modeling of a gas–liquid–solid three-phase bubble column, Aiche J. 53 (2007) 2221–2231. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.11254
[59] S. Geng, et al. Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a slurry external airlift loop reactor integrating mixing and separation’, Chemical Engineering Science, 211 (2020) 115294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2019.115294
[60] A. Tomiyama, H. Tamai, I. Zun, S. Hosokawa, Transverse migration of single bubbles in simple shear flows, Chem. Eng. Sci. 57 (2002) 1849–1858. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(02)00085-4
[61] Z. Naumann, L. Schiller, A drag coefficient correlation, Z Ver Deutsch Ing 77 (1935) 318–323.
[62] R. Bannari, A. Bannari, B. Selma, P. Proulx, Mass transfer and shear in an airlift bioreactor: using a mathematical model to improve reactor design and performance, Chem. Eng. Sci. 66 (2011) 2057–2067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2011.01.038
[63] A. Tomiyama, I. Kataoka, I. Zun, T. Sakaguchi, Drag coefficients of single bubbles under normal and Micro gravity conditions, Jsme Int. J. Ser. B 41 (1998) 472–479. https://doi.org/10.1299/jsmeb.41.472
[64] Kolev N., Multiphase Flow Dynamics 2: Thermal and Mechanical Interactions, Springer, Berlin, Germany, 20052005, 1994.
[65] X. Wang, X. Jia, J. Wen, Transient modeling of toluene waste gas biotreatment in a gas–liquid airlift loop reactor, Chem. Eng. J.159 (2010) 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2010.02.006
[66] M.K. Moraveji, B. Sajjadi, M. Jafarkhani, R. Davarnejad, Experimental investigation and CFD simulation of turbulence effect on hydro-dynamic and mass transfer in a packed bed airlift internal loop reactor, Int. Commun. Heat Mass Transf. 38 (2011) 518–524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2010.12.033
[67] J. Liao, T. Ziegenhein, R. Rzehak, Bubbly flow in an airlift column: a CFD study, J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol. 91 (2016) 2904–2915. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.4917
[68] Z. Yu, B. Zhu, S. Cao, Interphase force analysis for air-water bubbly flow in a multi-phase rotodynamic pump, Eng. Comput. (Swansea) 32 (2015) 2166–2180. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-10-2014-0210
[69] D. Lucas, E. Krepper, H.-M. Prasser, Prediction of radial gas profiles in vertical pipe flow on the basis of bubble size distribution, Int. J. Therm. Sci. 40 (2001) 217–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1290-0729(00)01211-4
[70] R.S. Oey, R.F. Mudde, L.M. Portela, H.E.A. van den Akker, Simulation of a slurry airlift using a two-fluid model, Chem. Eng. Sci. 56 (2001) 673–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(00)00275-X
[71] F. Kerdouss, A. Bannari, P. Proulx, R. Bannari, M. Skrga, Y. Labrecque, Two-phase mass transfer coefficient prediction in stirred vessel with a CFD model, Comput. Chem. Eng. 32 (2008) 1943–1955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2007.10.010
[72] A. Sokolichin, G. Eigenberger, A. Lapin, Simulation of buoyancy driven bubbly flow: established simplifications and open questions, Aiche J. 50 (2004) 24–45. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.10003
[73] Fluent A., 12.0 User’s Guide, Ansys Inc, 2009.
[74] D.A. Drew, Mathematical modeling of two-phase flow, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. 15 (1983) 261–291. doi/10.1146/annurev.fl.15.010183.001401
[75] R. Rzehak, T. Ziegenhein, S. Kriebitzsch, E. Krepper, D. Lucas, Unified modeling of bubbly flows in pipes, bubble columns, and airlift columns, Chem. Eng. Sci. 157 (2017) 147–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2016.04.056
[76] M.A. Lopez de Bertodano, Two fluid model for two-phase turbulent jets, Nucl. Eng. Des. 179 (1998) 65–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-5493(97)00244-6
[77] O. Simonin, P. V, Modelling of turbulent two-phase jets loaded with discrete particles, Phenomena in Multiphase Flows 1990 (1990) 259–269. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3124445
[78] A.D.B. Burns, drag model for turbulent dispersion in eulerian multi-phase flows, Proc 5th International Conference of Multiphase Flow 2004.
[79] L. Chen, Z. Bai, CFD simulation of the hydrodynamics in an industrial scale cy- clohexane oxidation airlift loop reactor, Chem. Eng. Res. Des. 119 (2017) 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2017.01.008
[80] J. Gimbun, Assessment of the Turbulence Models for Modelling of Bubble Column, Institution Of Engineers Malaysia (2010) 70.
[81] J.P. Bitog, I.B. Lee, C.G. Lee, K.S. Kim, H.S. Hwang, S.W. Hong, I.H. Seo, K.S. Kwon, E. Mostafa, Application of computational fluid dynamics for modeling and designing photobioreactors for microalgae production: a review, Comput. Electron. Agric. 76 (2011) 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2011.01.015
[82] N. Kantarci, F. Borak, and K. O. Ulgen, Bubble column reactors, Process Biochemistry, 40 (2005) 2263–2283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2004.10.004
[83] Y. Stiriba, B. Gourich, C. Vial, Numerical modeling of ferrous iron oxidation in a split-rectangular airlift reactor, Chem. Eng. Sci. 170 (2017) 705–719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2017.03.047
)
