CFD Modelling of Industrial-Scale Fluidized Systems: A Review of Recent Advancements

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an important engineering tool for the research, design, and optimization of fluidized systems in many industries, including refining, petrochemical, cement, and power. At this scale, fluidized beds and other fluid-particle systems present a significant modelling challenge for traditional CFD due to the large solids inventory, discrete particle properties, and the complex coupled particle-fluid dynamics, reaction chemistry, and heat transfer. With recent advancements in CFD modelling tools and computing power, however, fluidized bed models are more accurate, efficient, and accessible than what was possible just a few years ago. This presentation will discuss these recent advancements in CFD modelling, including graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration, and demonstrate the application of these advancements to the modelling of industrially-significant fluidized systems.