3D Simulations of Bubble Hydrodynamics for the SCW Fluidized Bed Using the EMMS Model

Biomass can be converted into fuels by supercritical water fluidized beds (SCWFBs) without pollutant emission. In this study, the energy minimization multiscale drag model developed for the SCWFB is applied for 3D simulations to investigate bubble properties. The effect of operation conditions (superficial velocity, pressure, temperature, and particle size) on bubble size, bubble velocity, and bubble shape is investigated. Compared to the Gidaspow model, the energy minimization multiscale drag model shows better performance in predicting bubble hydrodynamics. Numerical results of 3D simulations show that bubble size is positively correlated with bubble velocity. Bubble shape is influenced by the turbulence of particles caused by the variation of operating conditions. The numerical results can serve as support for the scale-up design of the SCWFB.