Mixing in bubble column reactors: Experimental study and CFD modeling

• The mixing time was measured in a pilot-scale bubble column.
• Effect of addition point, superficial velocity and measurement location examined.
• Tracer injection and measurement points had a large impact on measured mixing time.
• CFD model of mixing in bubble columns developed.
• Model in good agreement with data for the range of experimental conditions.

We have examined the effect of superficial velocity, tracer injection location and measurement location on the mixing time in a bubble column. It was found that for the range of superficial velocities examined (0.07–0.29 m/s) there was little change in mixing time with superficial velocity. In contrast, it was found that the tracer injection point and measurement location had a large impact on the measured mixing time, with measured values ranging between 3 s and 25 s. Additionally, it was found that it was possible to introduce the tracer in such a way as to produce zones of poor mixing, leading to a high local tracer concentration. Such a finding is important in the design of bubble columns used in the bio-processing industry as these conditions can lead to a reduction in the yield of industrial bioprocesses. The second half of this work examines the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a tool to model mixing in bubble columns. It was found that a computationally efficient CFD model correctly predicted the trends in mixing time for all superficial velocities and tracer addition locations examined, with the model being able to correctly predict the mixing time within the margin of variation.