Abstract

A computational fluid dynamics simulation, CFD, of a cold flowing riser fluidized with FCC catalysts has been performed. The computations are performed using a 3D multiphase computational fluid dynamics code with a Eulerian description of both gas and particle phase. The turbulent motion of the particulate phase is modelled using the kinetic theory for granular flow, and the gas phase turbulence is modelled using a Sub-Grid-Scale model. The complex inlet geometry is approximated using multiple inlet patches. The results were submitted to a blind-test in connection to the 10th international workshop on two-phase flow prediction held in Merseburg, Germany, 2002. The results are validated against experimental findings of particle mass flux across the riser and pressure profile along the riser. The calculations show good agreement with experimental findings of both mass flux and pressure profile, but further improvements are proposed and investigated. A parameter study shows that mesh refinement, choice of particle diameter and choice of drag model are crucial when simulating FCC riser flow.

Recommended Citation

Hansen, Kim G.; Ibsen, Claus H.; Solberg, Tron; and Hjertager, Bjørn H. (2003) "Eulerian/Eulerian CFD Simulation of a Cold Flowing FCC Riser," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 1: A31.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol1/A31