Numerical simulation and experimental verification of gas flow through packed beds

Using a numerical method to optimize parameters that affect the oxygen elimination process in packed beds, such as the number of injection jets, their positions and angles, etc., saves time and reduces cost. However, the numerical model needs to be validated before carrying out such a parametric study. Therefore, the experiments on the fluid flow in a packed bed are conducted to validate the numerical model. The numerical model is also validated against the analytical results for a packed bed with simplified geometry. The numerical results agree well with the experimental data and the analytical results. The gas flow through packed beds is treated as flow through a porous medium. The resistance to the flow due to the presence of the porous medium is represented by an additional momentum sink in the Navier-Stokes equations.