Computational fluid dynamics applied to gas-liquid contactors

In this paper a 'hierarchy of models' is discussed to study the fluid dynamic behaviour of gas-liquid bubble columns. This 'hierarchy of models' consists of a Eulerian-Eulerian two fluid model, a Eulerian-Lagrangian discrete bubble model and a Volume Tracking or Marker Particle model. These models will be briefly reviewed and their advantages and disadvantages will be highlighted. In addition,a mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian model and a volume tracking model, both developed at Twente University, will be discussed. Some selected results obtained with these models will be presented with emphasis on the results obtained with the volume tracking model. Finally, a brief discussion on advanced experimental techniques, which reflect the recent progress in experimental fluid dynamics, will be presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.