Title: Three-dimensional modelling of industrial flashing flows

Authors: C.A. Marsh, A.P. O'Mahony

Addresses: CFD Design and Engineering, P.O. Box 30003, Christchurch, New Zealand. ' CFD Design and Engineering, P.O. Box 30003, Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper summarises the development and validation of a three-dimensional numerical flashing flow model for use in industrial applications. The flashing flow process was modelled using the commercial CFD code FLUENT, with a User-Defined Scalar (UDS) transport equation used for bubble nucleation and transport. Predicted mass flow rates, vapour fractions and pressures were compared with values observed experimentally. The CFD model was also used to simulate a piping system connecting two industrial flash tanks at Rusal Aughinish in which flashing occurs owing to reduction in pressure. The calculated mass flows are within 5% of the estimated plant flows.

Keywords: flashing flow; nucleation; CFD; UDS; user-defined scalar; two-phase flow; computational fluid dynamics; mass flows; piping systems; industrial flash tanks.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2009.027370

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2009 Vol.9 No.6/7, pp.393 - 398

Published online: 21 Jul 2009 *

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