Numerical Simulations of Flow Distribution in Unpacked and Partially Packed Vessels

In this study, flow in an unpacked and a partially packed vessels is investigated using numerical simulations. The effects of various factors including the number of inlets and outlets, and throttling the jets by inserting orifice plates above them on the flow fields are investigated. Other factors investigated include fluid flow rate and turbulence model. ft was found that for a given number and location inlets and outlets, the injection velocity does not have a very significant impact on the flow distribution, This distribution could be improved with a careful choice of the number and location of inlets and outlets. For partially packed vessels, the packing may behave like a good distributor depending on the resistance to flow offered by the bed.