Multiphase flow and heat transfer

The challenges of multiphase flows—an area critical to many industrial processes—are addressed in this work package.

The objectives are that for multiphase flows: i) Increase the knowledge of how flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions interact. ii) Refine existing models and sub-models to more accurately simulate the complexities of industrial processes. iii) Challenge and validate these refined models against complex and known scenarios, such as those found in moving porous beds and for clouds of droplets and single droplets to ensure their accuracy and reliability. iv) Tailor models to meet the specific needs of different industrial applications, focusing on relevant boundary and ambient conditions. The work package includes three PhD projects; two hosted by LTU, and one by KTH. Read more about the individual sub-projects below.

Task 1: Flow, heat transfer and chemical reactions in a moving bed of porous particles

The objectives and methods of this study are to enhance the understanding of flow through a moving bed of porous particles by modeling such processes, to refine these models to better comprehend the interplay between flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions, and to challenge the derived models with known complex situations of the Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) process. Additionally, the study aims to model the flow through DRI processes to achieve a homogeneous process.

Task Leader: Staffan Lundström, LTU. PhD student: Prajwal Reddy, LTU

Task 2: Characteristics of the transport of clouds of droplets

This study aims to derive the characteristics of clouds of droplets relevant to various industrial applications to improve current industry models. It will investigate cloud transport properties to develop sub-models for significant physical phenomena and determine the criteria for when one-, two-, or four-way coupling is essential under different industrial conditions. Closely interconnected with Task 3, the study will develop improved simulation tools and methods for heat transfer in two-phase media, such as steam generators, infusion vessels, and electronics cooling.

Task Leader: Lisa Prahl Wittberg, KTH. PhD student: Liam Herrick, KTH

Task 3: The physics of the transport of single droplets in industrial environments

The study aims to derive the physics of single droplets moving under relevant industrial conditions, including temperature, humidity, and pressure, with phase change to improve current industry models. It will investigate transport properties in arbitrary environments, model heat transfer from droplets impinging on solid walls, and model droplet formation. Closely interconnected with Task 2, this study contributes to the joint development of advanced simulation tools and methods for heat transfer in two phase media such as steam generators, infusion vessels, and electronics cooling.

Task Leader: Anna-Lena Ljung, LTU. PhD student: Suraj Shankar, LTU