CFD Simulations and PIV Measurements for Optimization of Flow Pattern in a Sieve Plate Extraction Column

摘要

Present work deals with the optimization for flow pattern of continuous phase in a sieve plate extraction column using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Firstly single-phase simulation was conducted for the traditional column and it was found that there was a very large reverse flow area between every two plates. Then step by step, by changing the downcomer structure, consisting of inclining downcomers, adding baffles, slotting downcomers and baffles and adjusting the number and size of slots, the reverse flow area was decreased and thereby the flow pattern of continuous phase was optimized. Finally, an optimal flow pattern was obtained with reverse flow area greatly reduced. In order to prove the validity of the simulation results, PIV experiments of two columns were carried out and it was found that the results of simulations and experiments are in good agreement.