Learning Forum

[youssef.badran]

Hello,

I would like to simulate a system where a gas passes through a fixed bed consisting of two types of particles. There are gas–solid and solid–solid reactions. Since heat is generated, I need to include an energy source term. Due to mass transfer from the solid to the gas phase, the particle diameter decreases with time.

What is the best approach to simulate this system? Is a porous-media approach suitable, or should I use an Eulerian–Eulerian model?

[Rob]

Both can be made to work. Porous media will likely run steady. E-E may well be transient and packed bed has limitations as you reduce the solids mass: read the definitions carefully. 

Equally, both are best, it just depends on what you're trying to find out! I'm fairly sure there's a Rocky model/API to include shrinkage for reactions, that's your third option.