CFD-validated pore network modeling of packed beds of non-spherical particle

• Published in: Chemical engineering science 2024-01, Vol.283, p.119396, Article 119396
• Main Authors: Eghbalmanesh, A., Fathiganjehlou, A., Rieder, D.R., Hoogendoorn, M., Miloshevska, M., Baltussen, M.W., Peters, E.A.J.F., Buist, K.A., Kuipers, J.A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydrodynamics; Immersed Boundary method; Non-spherical particles; Particle-Resolved Computational Fluid Dynamics; Pore Network Modelling; Slender packed Bed Reactors
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.119396

In this work, the hydrodynamics inside packed beds of particles with different shapes are investigated: spherical, cylindrical, and cubical particles. The cylindrical and cubical geometries contain sharp ridges, which give rise to complicated pore geometries. In this study, Pore Network Modeling (PNM) validated with the Particle-Resolved Computational Fluid Dynamics (PR-CFD) simulations of packed beds with these non-spherical particles will be reported. The results show that the PNM predicts the same average flow behavior and pore pressure variations as PR-CFD. However, the PNM prediction of the pressure values is less accurate at the pore level compared to the PR-CFD for the cubical particles. •Packed beds of non-spherical particles are modeled with Particle Resolved-CFD.•Pore Network Modeling (PNM) calibrated via PR-CFD simulations.•PNM aligns with PR-CFD in average flow field and overall pressure prediction.•PNM predicts pore pressure well for spheres, cylinders.•Study shows PNM's potential and limitations in packing of complex geometries.