CPOTE2024
|
8th
International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-26 September 2024 | Gliwice, Poland | Hybrid event
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-26 September 2024 | Gliwice, Poland | Hybrid event
Abstract CPOTE2024-1020-A
Computational modeling of heat transfer and fluid flow in a biomass-loaded reactor exposed to pyrolysis-level temperatures: heating ramp versus sudden exposure
Rares SANDU, University Politehnica Bucharest, RomaniaDorin BOLDOR, Lousiana State University, United States of America
Aneta MAGDZIARZ, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Cosmin MARCULESCU, University Politehnica Bucharest, Romania
This paper presents a numerical investigation of the heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena in a tubular reactor using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The aim of the study is to develop predictive models to identify optimal operating conditions, which are crucial in order to optimize the reactor performance and product quality in biomass conversion processes.
COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to develop a comprehensive 3D model of the tubular reactor, incorporating the geometric features and operating parameters. Particular attention is paid to the accurate representation of boundary conditions, including inlet velocities, temperature gradients, heat fluxes and reactor wall properties, essential in order to capture the complex thermochemical phenomena occurring within the reactor.
The organic feedstock is introduced into the CFD model of the tubular reactor and its thermal behaviour is simulated under different operating conditions. Using detailed multiphysics the interactions between heat transfer and fluid flow governing the pyrolysis process are modelled.
The results obtained provide valuable insights of the distribution of temperature profiles and and heat transfer within the reactor. Analysis of these data elucidates the key factors influencing the pyrolysis process, allowing the identification of optimal reactor configurations and operating conditions to mitigate endothermic and exothermal uncontrolled phenomena.
This research contributes to the advancement of predictive capabilities in biomass pyrolysis technology, facilitating the design and optimisation of tubular reactor systems for improved energy efficiency. The knowledge gained has significant implications for the sustainable use of organic feedstock resources in the bio-based products.
Keywords: Computational fluid dynamics, Tubular reactor, Heat and mass transfer, Biomass pyrolysis, Comsol multiphysics
Acknowledgment: This study was funded by Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Pillar III „Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, including economic cohesion, jobs, productivity, competitiveness, research, development, and innovation, and a well-functioning internal market with strong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)”, Component C9. Support for the private sector, research, development, and innovation, I8 „Development of a program to attract highly specialized human resources from abroad in research, development and innovation activities’’. Project name is ”Green chemistry and thermochemical processing, a convergent approach towards biobased chemicals and hydrogen synthesis – ConverGreen”, ID: CF 86/15.11.2022, cod 86.