Tools for the simulation of multicomponent vapour-liquid flows

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Multicomponent vapour-liquid flows are critically important in many industrial applications and natural processes. Recently, there has been a rapid growth in the number of studies investigating the fundamental aspects of such multiphase flows, primarily driven by interest in improving existing industrial processes and the development of more efficient devices using new advances in numerical analysis, microfluidics and nanotechnology. Despite these recent efforts, significant knowledge gaps remain in the fundamental understanding of these complex phenomena, and therefore detailed modeling and simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools remains a very difficult task. The primary objective of this research program is to advance the fundamental understanding of vapour-liquid flows by developing better computational tools for their simulation and applying these tools to improve industrial processes. The specific focus is on four key stages of research. First, a computational model will be developed to study the formation of natural gas hydrates and their impact on mass transfer through the gas-liquid interface. Second, this model will be extended to improve its efficiency to permit simulation of large-scale systems, such as those commonly found in the chemical processing and oil and gas industries. Third, a more energy efficient hybrid distillation-pervaporation system for ethanol separation will be developed, which will help to improve the viability of ethanol as a biofuel. Finally, an energy efficient hybrid distillation-membrane contactor system for butanol separation will be developed, which will help to improve the viability of butanol as a potential biofuel. Altogether, these research efforts will lead to the training of Highly Qualified Personnel in advanced computational techniques and experimental methods, which will support future economic development in Canada. Furthermore, this research will result in the development of new computational tools, improvement of chemical separation processes and advancement in the fundamental understanding of vapour-liquid flows, all of which will help to drive future economic development.