CFD modeling of gas flow in porous medium and catalytic coupling reaction from carbon monoxide to diethyl oxalate in fixed-bed reactors

A comprehensive two-dimensional heterogeneous reactor model was developed to simulate the flow behavior and catalytic coupling reaction of carbon monoxide (CO)–diethyl oxalate (DEO) in a fixed-bed reactor. The two-temperature porous medium model, which was revised from a one-temperature porous medium model, as well as one equation turbulent model, and exponent-function kinetic model was constructed for the turbulent velocity scale comparing with laminar flow and simulation of the catalytic coupling reaction. The simulation results were in good agreement with the actual data collected from certain pilot-plant fixed bed reactors in China. Based on the validated approach and models, the distributions of reaction parameters such as temperature and component concentrations in the reactor were analyzed. The simulations were then carried out to understand the effects of operating conditions on the reactor performance which showed that the conduction oil temperature in the reactor jacket and the CO concentration are the key impact factors for the reactor performance.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (180 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We present a CFD model to describe the flow in a catalytic coupling FBR.
► The CFD model incorporates a two-temperature porous medium model.
► The model is validated by comparing simulation results with some actual data.
► The model is used to predict the effects of operating conditions on the FBR.