Simulation of Taylor–Couette reactor for particle classification using CFD

Dynamic characteristics about motion of Taylor vortex flow and separation of particles in Taylor–Couette reactor were investigated numerically and experimentally. Commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program was used for calculation of the fluid dynamics of Taylor vortex flow and particle classification system. Gravitational and drag force balance affect the particles, when the Taylor–Couette reactor is vertically located. Thus, the particles movement depends on the size of particles and reactor operating conditions. When rotational speed of inner cylinder increases or the feed flow rate decreases, the axial moving velocity of the Taylor vortex decreases. In this study, the Taylor vortex moving velocity and moving region were determined for the various rotational speeds of the inner cylinder and inlet flow rates. To investigate the performance of particle classification, particles with various sizes injected at the center of reactor by Particle-tracking simulations. Then, the Taylor–Couette reactor applied as a crystallizer was proposed, which simultaneously classify the crystals.

► Characteristics of particle classification in TCR are investigated. ► Axial vortex moving velocity is increased as rotational speed is decreased. ► Axial vortex moving velocity is increased as feed flow is increased. ► TCR can be used effectively as a crystallizer with particle classification. ► Product particle distribution can be controlled by the design parameters of TCR.