Advanced reactor analysis and design through reactive Computational Fluid Dynamics and hierarchical approach


Prof. Mauro Bracconi, Laboratory of Catalysis and Catalytic Processes - Dipartimento di Energia, Politecnico di Milano - Multiscale modelling, incorporating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and detailed microkinetic description of the chemical reactivity, is a key tool for understanding reactor and process behaviour [1]. This talk will discuss advanced multiscale methods that detail fluid dynamics, species interactions, heat transfer, and surface reactivity in various flows conditions and reactor configurations [2,3]. It will address strategies to minimize computational costs, from traditional methods to Machine Learning [4]. However, the direct application of these methods to realistic industrial systems is limited by high computational demands. The presentation will introduce a hierarchical approach [5], that employs highly detailed multiscale CFD simulations in selected but relevant conditions to achieve a fundamental understanding of the complex interplay between transport and surface reactivity. In doing so, engineering correlations are developed and employed in macroscopic reactor models, enabling efficient reactor design. Applications of this approach in micro-packed bed reactors and structured catalyst supports will be showcased [5,6]. Bibliography [1] M. Maestri, Chem. Commun. 53 (2017) 10244–10254. [2] D. Micale, et al., Chemie Ing. Tech. (2022). [3] M. Bracconi, Chem. Eng. Res. Des. 179 (2022) 564–579. [4] M. Bracconi, M. Maestri, Chem. Eng. J. (2020) 125469. [5] M. Bracconi, et al. Chem. Eng. Proc. – Proc. Int. 181 (2022) 109148 [6] M. Bracconi, et al., Chem. Eng. J. 352 (2018) 558–571.

08-02-2024

Prof. Mauro Bracconi, Laboratory of Catalysis and Catalytic Processes - Dipartimento di Energia, Politecnico di Milano, will introduce the application of CFD to the analysis and design of chemical reactor.

© Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" - Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma