Validation of a procedure for the numerical simulations of gas–liquid stirred tanks by means of a computational fluid dynamics approach

Impellers with concave and vertically asymmetric blades proved superior gas dispersion capabilities power consumption characteristics under gassed turbulent conditions respect to traditional flat-blade turbines in aerated fermenters. In this study, a pilot-size gas–liquid tank stirred an blade disk impeller is numerically investigated by means of Reynolds averaged two-fluid model combined simplified population balance without adjustable parameters. This work aims at increasing the predictive computational fluid dynamics multiphase modelling validating approach for realistic simulation industrial fermenters thus allowing more reliable scale-up. A methodology achieving fully results on fundamental variables tanks such as consumption, overall hold-up, volumetric mass transfer coefficient, affordable requirements pilot scale presented. Two-phase are compared experimental data collected geometry matching domain equipped 3 planes 16 sensors enable electro-resistance tomography measurements suitable correlations from literature. The limits strength numerical procedure discussed, starting comparison between predictions measurements.