A Modified Model of Computational Mass Transfer for Distillation Column

The Computational Mass Transfer (CMT) model is composed of the basic differential mass transfer equation, closed by auxiliary equations and the appropriate accompanying CFD formulation. In the present modified CMT model, the closing auxiliary equations in the c2 1c model given by Liu (2003) are further simplified for reducing the computational complication. By this model, the turbulent mass transfer diffusivity, the three-dimensional velocity/concentration profiles can be predicted simultaneously. To demonstrate the feasibility of the simplified CMT model, simulation was made for distillation column, and the results are compared with the experimental data taken from literatures. In applying the modified model to the simulation of a commercial scale distillation tray column, the predictions of the concentration at the outlet of each tray and the tray efficiency are satisfactorily confirmed by the published experimental data.