New Approach Lagrangian for Numerical Analysis Within L-V One Equilibrium Stage of a Distillation Column Using the SPH Method

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical analysis of liquid–vapor equilibrium in a sieve tray of a distillation column using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. This Lagrangian approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the hydrodynamics, heat transfer, and liquid–vapor interactions within the tray, considering variations in deck area (85%, 90%, and 95%). The study examines flow patterns, flow regimes, weeping phenomena, and heat transfer within the tray. Results indicate that with a reduced deck area, the bubble regime predominates, leading to higher weeping rates and lower temperature uniformity between phases. Conversely, increasing the deck area to 90% or 95% shifts the regime to steam jet and spray, reduces weeping, and enhances phase interaction, thereby improving heat transfer and equilibrium stage efficiency. The study also highlights the effectiveness of the SPH method in simulating complex flow behavior within sieve trays.