Application of CFD simulation to predict the fluid dynamics of tube columns with stacked packings for gas-liquid systems

Abstract While Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation has become a valuable tool for optimizing non-active column internals such as gas and liquid distributors, its application to the complex fluid dynamics of active internals like structured packings is still an evolving field, with significant development occurring within the past two decades. This study investigates the application of standard k-ε CFD model (simple approach) to predict the hydraulic behavior of packed tube columns filled with stacked metallic Bialecki and Pall rings (25 mm and 50 mm). Comparisons between simulated and measured dry pressure drop values demonstrated excellent agreement, with deviations below ± 10 %. Beyond the capabilities of the combined CFD-SBD model proposed by Maćkowiak, J. (2022). Rapid method for prediction of random packing performance based on minimized experimental effort. 12th International Conference on Distillation and Absorption, 18–21 September 2022, Toulouse–France), this approach provides a means to generate basic performance data (BPD), including flooding gas velocity, dry and wetted pressure drop, within the column’s operating range. Consequently, the need for extensive experimental investigations can be reduced through simple CFD-based performance prediction.