Modelling of multiphase industrial processes

该提案涉及工业过程的数学模拟。使用计算机求解发生的复杂输运现象的控制方程，增加了我们对这一过程的理解，并提供了一种提高效率和减少负面环境影响的工具。建议对涉及多个阶段的过程进行模拟。将对气举装置进行调查和建模。气举装置是一种强有力的方法，可以通过将空气注入管内来提升较重的相。两端打开的管道被放入海水(或任何其他井)中，直到它几乎接触到要提升的材料。当空气被注入低于水位的管道时，在注入点上方会产生密度降低的液-气混合物。当输送足够的空气时，液体的速度高于固体的沉降速度，固体颗粒就会向上提升。该过程的数学模型将为气举装置提供一种新的设计工具，具有广泛的应用前景。另一个被考虑的应用是当三相存在时，在沸腾床中的凝聚的模拟。结块的形成降低了流态化过程的效率，并导致结垢。目标应用是原始沥青，它在热焦化过程中升级为合成原油。我们将对凝聚体的形成、运输和破裂进行研究，并建立数学模型。该模型将考虑到提高工业过程的效率。另一个主题是纤维在气流中运动的模拟及其在干法成型中的应用。我们将模拟弹性纤维在外力作用下的运动。该模型将是一个工具，将允许更好的设备设计和更均匀的纤维分布在产品中。

The proposal addresses the mathematical simulations of industrial processes. Using computers to solve the governing equations for the complex transport phenomena that take place increases our understanding of the process and provides a tool to improve efficiency and lessen negative environmental impact. It is proposed to simulate processes that involve several phases. Air-lift devices will be investigated and modelled. Air-lift devices are robust ways to lift a heavier phase by injecting air into a tube. A pipe opened on both ends is lowered into the seawater (or any other well) until it nearly touches the material to be lifted. When air is injected into the pipe below the water level, a liquid-air mixture with decreased density is produced above the injection point. When sufficient air is delivered and the velocity of the liquid is higher than the solid settling velocity, the solid particles will be lifted upwards. The mathematical model of the process will constitute a new design tool for air-lift devices that have broad applications. Another application considered is the modeling of agglomeration in fluidized beds when three phases are present. Agglomerate formation decreases the efficiency of the fluidized bed process and leads to fouling. The application that is targeted is raw bitumen, which is upgraded to synthetic crude in a thermal coking process. The forming, transport, and breaking of the agglomerates will be investigated and modelled mathematically. The model will allow for improving the efficiency of the industrial process. The other topic addressed is the simulation of fiber motion in air-streams with application to dry-forming. The motion of an elastic fiber under the influence of the forces acting on it will be simulated. The model will be a tool that will allow for better design of the equipment and a more uniform fiber distribution in the product.