Authors: Alexander Vikhansky and Markus Kraft*

Keywords: coagulation, Monte Carlo, operator splitting, population balance, two-phase flow, computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Associated Projects: Numerics and CFD

In the present study we propose an extension of the Euler/Lagrangian approach for liquid-liquid two phase flows when the volume fraction of the dispersedphase is not small. The continuous phase velocity is obtainedby solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations aurgmented with the k-ε turbulence model. The motion of the dispersed phase is calculated by solving the equations of motion taking into account inertia, drag and buoyancy forces. The coupling between the phases is described by momentum source terms and the terms that account for turbulence generation by the droplets' motion. Collision and breakage of the droplets are treated by a single particle Monte Carlo stochastic simulation method. This method is based on a mass flow formulation and operator splitting technique. For validation of the numerical procedure the droplet size distribution and flow fields in a rotating disc contactor are calculated and compared with the existing experimental results.