Kinetic model implementation in raceway pond reactors with hydrodynamic and radiation fields

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Peixoto, MLR (Author) Other; Brito, MSCA (Author) FEUP; Ricardo J. Santos (Author) FEUP; Vitor Vilar (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Vol. 210

Pages: 150-162

ISSN: 0263-8762

Publisher: Institute of Chemical Engineers

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Associated Projects

LA LSRE-LCM - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 para a Unidade LA LSRE-LCM Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção - Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-016-X9Y

DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2024.08.030

Abstract (EN): Vertical mixing plays a critical role in solar-driven processes using raceway pond reactors (RPRs). However, incorporating the time history of radiation for each fluid element is still an open issue. This work aims to develop an effective methodology using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools that couples hydrodynamics and radiation fields into kinetic models of biomass growth or cell lysis enhanced from radiation. First, three methodologies to assess vertical mixing were investigated. It was found that, under typical RPR flow conditions, the velocity in the direction of solar light incidence can maintain particles in constant motion and a nearhomogenous particle distribution. In addition, two RPR applications were studied regarding radiation influence analysis: the production of microalgae and an innovative approach for waste activated sludge (WAS) pretreatment, fostering biogas production. Regarding microalgae production, coupling the biokinetic models with CFD data enables the development of a cost-effective computational methodology to describe the growth of microalgae cultures accounting for hydrodynamics and radiation fields. This work was successful in introducing hydrodynamics and radiation conditions in models to design and optimise RPRs. Reduced geometries based in 2D and Periodic Boundary Conditions were used for CFD simulations to make it feasible for RPRs design purposes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13