Turbulent flow modeling in continuous oscillatory flow baffled reactor using STAR CCM

Abstract

A detailed transient tridimensional CFD model of the turbulent flow of liquid phase inside of 26 mm diameter continuous oscillatory baffled reactor (COBR) was developed using STAR CCM+ software. The model considered a large number of COBR cavities separated with single-orifice baffles. The CFD model was validated using residence time distribution experiments with several flowrates and frequencies. Different from previous studies, flow oscillations in our work were generated using a membrane pump, which enabled lower amounts of backflow. Simulations were used to analyse flow patterns and mixing for several values of inlet flowrate and oscillation frequencies.