Three-dimensional CFD study of liquid–solid flow behaviors in tubular loop polymerization reactors: The effect of guide vane

A three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, using an Eulerian–Eulerian two-fluid model incorporating the kinetic theory of granular flow, is adopted to describe the steady-state liquid–solid two-phase flow under conditions employed in a tubular loop propylene polymerization reactor composed of loop and axial flow pump. The model is validated by comparing its simulation result with the classical calculated data as well as a set of data collected from certain pilot plant in China. The entire flow behaviors and the effects of guide vane on them in the reactor are also investigated numerically. Especially, the whole field in the loop reactor with the guide vane is obtained via the above model. The results show that a guide vane weakens the turbulent intensity, reduces the component of the rotating velocity, and contributes to the uniform distribution of the particles in the reactor. The second flow phenomenon is successfully predicted in the loop reactor with the guide vane.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (50 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We present a 3D CFD model to describe the liquid-solid flow in a loop polymerization reactor. ► We distinguish the effect of guide vane in loop polymerization reactors by applying the CFD model. ► We find that a guide vane weakens the turbulent intensity and reduces the rotating velocity fraction. ► We also predict the second flow phenomenon in the loop reactor with the guide vane.