Modeling Fluid Separation Processes Using a Complementary Approach

Abstract

Modern fluid separation processes occur under very complex conditions. As a result, their modeling is usually based on severe assumptions and experimentally estimated gross parameters. On the other hand, the process optimization can only be achieved with reasonable model accuracy, whereas the process rates should be considered in a rigorous way, with respect to both transport phenomena and chemistry.Depending on the complexity of process fluid dynamics, different modeling ways can be applied, their rigor and complexity stretching over a wide range. Among these ways are a direct application of the equations of fluid dynamics, the hydrodynamic analogy method and the rate-based approach. These methods are complementary in the sense that, together, they are able to govern both simple and very complex process fluid dynamic conditions. Moreover, there is also another complementarity between the different approaches, namely, they can be applied in combination, for instance, by estimating process parameters by a more rigorous method and delivering them to the less rigorous one. In this contribution, the complementary modeling is discussed in detail and illustrated with case studies.