Modelling of multiphase industrial processes

该提案涉及工业过程的数学模拟。使用计算机来解决发生的复杂传输现象的控制方程，增加了我们对过程的理解，并提供了一种提高效率和减少负面环境影响的工具。建议模拟涉及几个阶段的过程。将对空气提升装置进行研究和建模。气升装置是通过将空气注入管中来提升较重相的稳健方法。一根两端开口的管子被下放到海水（或任何其他井）中，直到它几乎接触到要提升的材料。当空气在水位以下注入管道时，在注入点以上产生密度降低的液体-空气混合物。 当输送足够的空气并且液体的速度高于固体沉降速度时，固体颗粒将被向上提升。该过程的数学模型将为具有广泛应用前景的气升装置的设计提供新的工具。考虑的另一个应用是流化床中存在三相时的团聚模型。附聚物的形成降低了流化床工艺的效率并导致结垢。目标应用是原料沥青，在热焦化过程中将其升级为合成原油。将研究团聚体的形成、运输和破碎，并进行数学建模。该模型将允许提高工业过程的效率。另一个主题是模拟纤维在气流中的运动，并应用于干法成型。将模拟弹性纤维在作用于其上的力的影响下的运动。该模型将是一种工具，可以更好地设计设备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.