A computational framework for coupled modelling of three-phase systems with soluble surfactants

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School of Chemical Technology | Doctoral thesis (monograph) | Defence date: 2012-05-25
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Date

2012

Department

Materiaalitekniikan laitos
Department of Materials Science and Engineering

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Mcode

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Language

en

Pages

118

Series

Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS, 57/2012

Abstract

Bubble-particle interaction is a key phenomenon in many industrial applications, for example in mineral froth flotation. Flotation systems are typically characterised by high void fraction of dispersed phases and often multiple surface active compounds are present. The complexity of bubble-particle interaction has lead researchers to develop simplified models for dilute systems and typically physical and physico-chemical aspects are left out. This work discusses a modelling framework for analysis of bubble-particle interaction in the presence of soluble surfactants. The model includes full momentum coupling between gas, liquid, and solid phases using a coupling between Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Discrete Element Method (DEM) named CFDEM. CFDEM is an open source modelling framework where the CFD code OpenFOAM and the DEM code LIGGGHTS interact. To accommodate topological changes of the bubble surface during break-up and coallescence the Volume Of Fluid (VOF) method was used. Solid particles are tracked in a Lagrangian frame of reference and experience forces due to collisions and the presence of the gas-liquid interface. A comprehensive model has been developed where particle-interface forces are modelled as a hyperbolic function of the gradient of the phase fraction. Particles can be captured within the interfacial region and can detach from the bubble when the balance of forces so dictates. DLVO and non-DLVO forces, as well as inertial forces, form part the total stress balance and contribute to the momentum equation of all phases. Variable interfacial tension is taken into account by implementation of a volumetric transport equation for soluble surfactant in the bulk fluid and within the interfacial gas-liquid region. The method is fully mass conservative and combines higher order physical momentum coupling with physico-chemical momentum. The sub-models used need further study, but to the authors knowledge the model presented is the first to couple all momenta in a comprehensive modelling framework for bubble-particle interaction. The main value of this work is that the computational framework is modular and easily extensible to include more accurate sub-models. The Lagrangian particles are in fact dynamic lists that can be populated by the properties appropriate to the system. These properties accommodate further development and help to identify future research needs in the field of flotation modelling.

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Supervising professor

Heiskanen, Kari, Prof.

Thesis advisor

Heiskanen, Kari, Prof.

Keywords

mineral froth flotation, modelling, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Discrete Element Method, three-phase flow

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https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-60-4618-1

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[diss] Kemian tekniikan korkeakoulu / CHEM