A modified cell average technique for the solution of population balance equation

•We developed a modified cell average technique for numerical solution of population balance equation.•A new variable that is named “Difference Volume Flux” has been introduced.•A new type of grid, compatible with both the aggregation and the breakage processes was proposed.•A new part was implemented to the solver for enhancing the accuracy of the numerical results.

A new generalized discretization technique, based on the cell average technique (CAT), for solving the population balance equation and predicting the zeroth and first moments has been developed. The proposed algorithm can be easily cast into computer programs, is conceptually straightforward and demonstrated to be computationally economic. Additionally, a new type of mesh, for breakage, aggregation and combined processes is introduced. A new solver, compatible with aforementioned processes, for improving the accuracy of technique has been also proposed. A number of solvable processes were simulated by this technique and compared with the analytical solution and the CAT method. The results were very close to the analytical solution and much more accurate than CAT results.