A 2D Continuum Model Based on Particle-Resolved CFD for Packed-Bed Reactors

Abstract

Classical 2D continuum models often fail to accurately predict temperature distributions in packed bed reactors due to their reliance on empirical correlations and simplified assumptions regarding the bed structure. This work develops an improved 2D continuum model that utilizes particle-resolved computational fluid dynamics (PRCFD) simulations to determine the spatially distributed effective thermal conductivity. This model addresses the inaccuracies of classical 2D continuum models and the high computational cost of the PRCFD model. The proposed 2D continuum model is highly accurate, as demonstrated by comparisons with classical 2D continuum models in predicting radial and axial temperature profiles. Furthermore, the accuracy of the proposed model is further improved by using the sintered metal fiber method to calculate the effective thermal conductivity (2D-PW-SMF). The 2D-PW-SMF model shows excellent adaptability, yielding precise temperature predictions under various packing heights, tube-to-pellet diameter ratios, pellet shapes, inlet velocities, and temperature zones. The accuracy of the 2D-PW-SMF model is also examined using a dry reforming of methane reaction, demonstrating its great feasibility in industrial applications. This work provides a powerful and efficient tool for the design and optimization of industrial packed bed reactors.