Modelling film and rivulet flows on microstructured surfaces using CFD methods. (6th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertling, R.; Hack, M.; Ausner, I.; Horschitz, B.; Bernemann, S.; Kenig, E.Y.
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 251(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-06
• Subjects: CFD -- Multiphase flow -- Effective contact angle -- Structured packings -- Microstructures; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117414
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Highlights: Numerical investigation of film and rivulet flow on packing sheets with different surface structures. A new method for the identification of effective contact angles. A new modelling approach was proposed for the description of perforated surfaces. The model was successfully validated against experimental data. Abstract: A new procedure to identify effective contact angles used in the description of the packing surface wetting is proposed. Both non-perforated and perforated surfaces are modelled. The flow of a water and triethyleneglycol (TEG) mixture over inclined, non-corrugated packing sheets was used as a model case. Different microstructures were investigated in a combined experimental and numerical study to determine the effective contact angles best reproducing the experimental film or rivulet widths. The outcome is a simple yet robust approach for modelling the liquid flow on structured packings.