In order to improve the understanding of the air-lift process a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model has been developed. A multi-fluid Eulerian approach is used in the modeling. Three independent interpenetrating phases are considered: a continuous liquid phase (water) and two discrete phases (air bubbles and solid particles). The simulations are conducted two-dimensionally. After the transient computational results have been obtained for a sufficiently long time period, averaging is done to obtain mean values of the flow rates for all the phases. The model has been verified by comparison with published experimental results for the air-lift pipes in the range of 300–450 m in height. Good agreement between experiment and computations has been obtained. The solution process proves to be sufficiently robust for a fairly wide range of particle sizes, densities, flow rates, pipe and injection depths, and inlet volume fractions. Flow analysis reveals the distribution of velocities and volume fractions for all phases inside the airlift pipe that improves our understanding of the process. The computational results highlight some interesting transient behavior of the multiphase flow in the pipe. The numerical model can be utilized during various stages of the design of the air-lift pumps to help answer fundamental questions on the process, and during their operation to select optimal process parameters and to address possible problems.
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ASME 2007 26th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering
June 10–15, 2007
San Diego, California, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering Division
ISBN:
0-7918-4269-X
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Application of CFD Methods to the Analysis of the Flow in Air-Lift Pump
Konstantin Pougatch,
Konstantin Pougatch
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Martha Salcudean
Martha Salcudean
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
Konstantin Pougatch
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Martha Salcudean
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Paper No:
OMAE2007-29099, pp. 685-695; 11 pages
Published Online:
May 20, 2009
Citation
Pougatch, K, & Salcudean, M. "Application of CFD Methods to the Analysis of the Flow in Air-Lift Pump." Proceedings of the ASME 2007 26th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering. Volume 3: Pipeline and Riser Technology; CFD and VIV. San Diego, California, USA. June 10–15, 2007. pp. 685-695. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/OMAE2007-29099
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