A Turbulent Mass Diffusivity Model for Predicting Species Concentration Distribution in the Biodegradation of Phenol Wastewater in an Airlift Reactor

In this study, a three-dimensional CFD transient model is established for predicting species concentration distribution in the biodegradation of phenol an airlift reactor (ALR). The gas–liquid flow ALR determined by Euler–Euler method coupled with standard k-? model, and bubble size predicted population balance (PBM). A turbulent mass diffusivity developed to simulate transfer process predict distribution. No empirical methods are needed as can be expressed variance c2¯ its dissipation rate ?c. good agreement found between simulated experimental results literature. It not reasonable assume constant Schmidt number because calculated identical that viscosity. Finally, hydrodynamic characteristics performance proposed novel compared original ALR.