SIMULATION OF PACKING DENSITY AND LIQUID FLOW IN FIXED-BEDS

Simulations of packed beds were carried out using computer techniques. Models based on momentum effects alone gave a result which showed similar general characteristics to the real situation but with too high a voidage. More success was obtained with models based on packing element settlement, placement or increasing the coordination number. The characteristics of the simulated beds were checked in a number of ways and gave results somewhat in line with experiments. The resulting bed simulation model was employed in the computer simulation of liquid trickling through a packed tower. The resulting liquid distribution compared favourably with measured data. The effect of varying the characteristics of the liquid rivulet motion were detailed. Although the modelling provides a powerful tool for the study of reactions and transfer in packed beds the computational requirements will be large.