Dynamics of the flow in bubble column reactors

Bubble columns are modelled by means of an Euler-Langrange-type model based on the Navier-Stokes equation system. It is shown that the model can not only be used to describe typical situations in the bubble column flow but also to explain atypical operational modes. Model parameters that cannot yet be determined to sufficient accuracy with well accepted theories, e.g. the apparent viscosity of the turbulently flowing dispersion or the bubble path dispersion coefficient were deter-mined by fitting the model to experimental data. The parameter values determined in this way for one flow mode of the bubble column are shown to be applicable for modelling the other flow modes considered as well. The modelling results were validated by measurement data.