Three-phase hydrodynamic simulation and experimental validation of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor

This research focuses on performing multiphase solid/liquid/gas CFD simulations of a UASB reactor in order to obtain validated model that provides clearer understanding the hydrodynamic behaviour three phases reactors. Eulerian–Eulerian, laminar, three-dimensional, are carried out using Fluent 16.2. The liquid phase velocity and flow profile through PIV experiments. A mean difference 8.45% is found between experimental numerical results, thus validating model. Shadowgraphy applied successfully validate biogas bubble size. Based analysis can be divided into four regions, according its mixing conditions. For rates studied, minimal solids washout observed. In present research, only 0.02% volume dead zones within reactor, which indicates good shows recirculation stream at centre has an important role relation used for further studies optimisation