Modelling of multiphase industrial processes

该建议涉及工业过程的数学模拟。使用计算机来解决发生的复杂输运现象的控制方程增加了我们对过程的理解，并提供了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。将对空气提升装置进行研究和建模。空气提升装置是通过向管道中注入空气来提升较重相的可靠方法。将两端打开的管道放入海水（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，在注入点上方产生密度降低的液-气混合物。当输送足够的空气且液体速度高于固体沉降速度时，固体颗粒将被向上抬升。该过程的数学模型将为气举装置的设计提供一种新的工具，具有广泛的应用前景。考虑的另一个应用是流化床中存在三相时的团聚建模。团聚体的形成降低了流化床过程的效率，并导致结垢。目标应用是原料沥青，在热焦化过程中升级为合成原油。团块的形成、运输和破碎将被研究和数学建模。这种模式将有助于提高工业过程的效率。讨论的另一个主题是纤维在气流中的运动模拟及其在干成型中的应用。弹性纤维在作用力作用下的运动将被模拟。该模型将成为一种工具，可以更好地设计设备，并使产品中的纤维分布更均匀。

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.