CFD-PBM simulations of a bubble column with different liquid properties

•CFD-PBM model was well validated in a bubble column with organic liquids.•Low liquid viscosity and surface tension enhanced bubble breakup but hindered coalescence.•Effect of temperature was well predicted with corresponding liquid properties.•Bubble breakup model was crucial for reliable predictions of CFD-PBM model.

The CFD-PBM coupled model was validated in a bubble column with organic liquids under industrial conditions. Experimental data of the gas holdup, bubble size distribution and mass transfer rate were collected from the literature. The liquid viscosity and surface tension were two important parameters affecting the hydrodynamics. Low liquid viscosity and surface tension enhanced the bubble breakup but hindered the bubble coalescence. Compared with water, organic liquids led to a higher gas holdup, smaller bubble size and larger mass transfer rate. The elevated temperature decreased the liquid viscosity and surface tension. The effects of temperature on the hydrodynamic and gas-liquid mass transfer behaviors were well predicted using the corresponding liquid properties. The CFD-PBM coupled model gave good predictions because it quantitatively described the effect of liquid properties on the bubble size, interphase forces, turbulence parameters, and bubble breakup and coalescence behaviors. The simulations with different bubble breakup models showed that the accuracy of the bubble breakup model was crucial for reliable predictions of the CFD-PBM coupled model.