Three-Dimensional Computation Fluid Dynamics Simulation of CO Methanation Reactor with Immersed Tubes

CO methanation is an exothermic process, and heat removal is an essential issue for the methanation reactor. Numerical studies were carried out to investigate the performance of a 3D fluidized bed methanation reactor with immersed cooling tubes. The simulations were carried out in the frame of the Euler–Euler model to analyze the performance of the reactor. The influences of operating temperatures were studied to understand the reaction characteristics. The temperature increases rapidly neared the inlet due to the reactions. The immersed tubes were effective at removing the reaction heat. The chemical equilibrium state was achieved with an operating temperature of 682 K for the case with immersed tubes. Different control mechanisms can be found during the process of increasing and decreasing the temperature. The reaction kinetic is the dominate factor for the cases with lower temperatures, while the chemical equilibrium will play a more important role at high temperature conditions. The configuration with staggered tubes is beneficial for heat removal.

NUMERICAL MODELING OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SNOW LOAD ON A HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID. THEORETICAL BASIS

The paper discusses the choice of a method for studying the distribution of snow loads on a biconcave roof of a hyperbolic paraboloid and its theoretical justification. It is noted that the numerical modeling of the aerodynamic characteristics of buildings and structures is a difficult and resource-intensive task due to the design features of building objects, which, as a rule, have a complex geometric shape, as well as due to a complex unsteady flow resulting from their flow around them. In addition, the task becomes more complicated due to the interference of vortex structures between different objects. Overcoming these objective difficulties became possible with the advent of modern specialized software systems, primarily ANSYS Fluent. Opportunities have appeared for accurate modeling with verification of the results obtained, which implies the use of an effective, well-tested mathematical apparatus. To implement the theory of two-phase flow, two methods based on numerical modeling are mainly used: the Euler-Lagrange method and the Euler-Euler method. The second method is used in the work. Comparative analysis, which investigates two-phase flow around different structures using different turbulence models (including RSM model, SST k-ω model, k-ε model and k-kl-ω model), shows that the k-kl-ω model is the best fit with experiment. ANSYS Fluent supports four multiphase models, i.e. VOF model, Mixture model, Wet Steam and Euler model. Compared to the other three models, the Mixture model provides better stability and lower computational costs, while the Euler model provides better accuracy, but at a higher computational cost . With a rather complex geometry and flow conditions, the use of the RANS approach does not lead to reliable simulation results. Moreover, unsteady turbulent flows cannot be reproduced. In real situations, landslides, saltations, and the suspended state of snow particles are closely related to the real effects of microbursts and bursts present at the surface of the boundary layer. Therefore, in further research, it is advisable to apply alternative approaches to RANS, which include Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS), Large Eddy Simulation (LES), and the hybrid RANS-LES approach to turbulence modeling, which combine efficiency LES techniques in tear-off free zones and the cost-effectiveness of RANS in near-wall areas.

On the Asymptotics of the Schrödinger Equation Solutions and the Euler Model of an Ideal Fluid

In this paper we analyze the asymptotics of the Schrödinger equation solutions with respect to a small parameter ~. It is well known, that short- waveasymptoticstosolutionsofthisequationleadstothepairofequations— the Hamilton–Jacobi equation for the phase and the continuity equation. These equations coincide with the ones for the potential flows of an ideal fluid. The wave function is invariant with respect to the complex plane rotations group, and the asymptotics is constructed as a point-dependent action of this group on some function that is found by solving the transfer equation. It is shown in the paper, that if the Heisenberg group is used instead of the rotation group, then the limit of the equations solutions with ~ tending to zero leads to the equations for vortex flows of an ideal fluid in a potential field of forces. If the original Schrödinger equation is nonlinear, then equations for barotropic processes in an ideal fluid are obtained.

Influence of Interfacial Force Models and Population Balance Models on the kLa Value in Stirred Bioreactors

Optimal oxygen supply is vitally important for the cultivation of aerobically growing cells, as it has a direct influence on cell growth and product formation. A process engineering parameter directly related to oxygen supply is the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient kLa. It is the influences on kLa and computing time of different interfacial force and population balance models in stirred bioreactors that have been evaluated in this study. For this investigation, the OpenFOAM 7 open-source toolbox was utilized. Firstly, the Euler–Euler model with a constant bubble diameter was applied to a 2L scale bioreactor to statistically examine the influence of different interfacial models on the kLa value. It was shown that the kL model and the constant bubble diameter have the greatest influence on the calculated kLa value. To eliminate the problem of a constant bubble diameter and to take effects such as bubble breakup and coalescence into account, the Euler–Euler model was coupled with population balance models (PBM). For this purpose, four coalescence and five bubble breakup models were examined. Ultimately, it was established that, for all of the models tested, coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with PBM resulted in better agreement with the experimental data than using the Euler–Euler model. However, it should be noted that the higher accuracy of the PBM coupled models requires twice the computation time.

Semi-Autogenous Wet Grinding Modeling With CFD-DEM

The paper highlights the features of constructing a model of a wet semi-autogenous grinding mill based on the discrete element method and computational fluid dynamics. The model was built using Rocky DEM (v. 4.4.2, ESSS, Brazil) and Ansys Fluent (v. 2020 R2, Ansys, Inc., United States) software. A list of assumptions and boundary conditions necessary for modeling the process of wet semi-autogenous grinding by the finite element method is presented. The created model makes it possible to determine the energy-coarseness ratios of the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) process under given conditions. To create the model in Rocky DEM the following models were used: The Linear Spring Rolling Limit rolling model, the Hysteretic Linear Spring model of the normal interaction forces and the Linear Spring Coulomb Limit for tangential forces. When constructing multiphase in Ansys Fluent, the Euler model was used with the primary phase in the form of a pulp with a given viscosity and density, and secondary phases in the form of air, crushing bodies and ore particles. The resistance of the solid phase to air and water was described by the Schiller–Naumann model, and viscosity by the realizable k-epsilon model with a dispersed multiphase turbulence model. The results of the work methods for material interaction coefficients determination were developed. A method for calculating the efficiency of the semi-autogenous grinding process based on the results of numerical simulation by the discrete element method is proposed.

Off-Design Exergy Analysis of Convective Drying Using a Two-Phase Multispecies Model

The design of a convective drying cycle could be challenging because its thermodynamic performance depends on a wide range of operating parameters. Further, the initial product properties and environmental conditions fluctuate during the production, affecting the final product quality, environmental impact, and energy usage. An off-design analysis distinguishes the effects of different parameters defining the setup with the best and more stable performance. This study analyzes a reference scenario configured as an existing system and three system upgrades to recover the supplied energy and avoid heat and air dumping in the atmosphere. We calculate their performance for different seasons, initial product moisture, input/output rate, and two products. The analysis comprises 16 simulation cases, the solutions of a two-phase multispecies Euler–Euler model that simulates the thermodynamic equilibrium in all components. Results discuss the combination of parameters that maximizes the evaporation rate and produces the highest benefits on global performance up to doubling the reference levels. The advantages of heat recovery vary by the amount of wasted energy, increasing the exergy efficiency by a maximum of 17%. Energy needs for air recirculation cut the performance at least by 50%. Concluding remarks present the technical guidelines to reduce energy use and optimize production.

Vision-Based Nonlinear Control of Quadrotors Using the Photogrammetric Technique

This paper presents a controller designed via the backstepping technique, for the tracking of a reference trajectory obtained via the photogrammetric technique. The dynamic equations used to represent the motion of the quadrotor helicopter are based on the Newton–Euler model. The resulting quadrotor model has been divided into four subsystems for the altitude, longitudinal, lateral, and yaw motions. A control input is designed for each subsystem. Furthermore, the photogrammetric technique has been used to obtain the reference trajectory to be tracked. The performance and effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear controllers have been tested via numerical simulations using the Pixhawk Pilot Support Package developed for Matlab/Simulink.

Mixing Characteristics Of Gas-Liquid Flow In A Static Mixer: A Numerical Study

Mixing characteristics of gas-liquid co-current upward flow inside a vertical pipe equipped with a helical static mixer element were numerically investigated. The results from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with Euler-Euler model of three different length to diameter ratio (L/D) of the static mixer elements were compared. All simulated static mixers provide a better mixing condition in the comparison with the one without a static element. The sudden increase of rotational strength indicated by the liquid velocity curl was observed once the gas-liquid flows enter the static-mixer element zone. The smallest L/D static mixer provides the highest liquid velocity curl in the smallest axial distance providing the most effective mixing process among the tested elements. The best mixing characteristics shown by radial gas distribution was achieved with the static mixer with a smallest L/D.