Unresolved CFD-DEM simulation of adsorption process with different particle shapes in radial flow adsorber

The design and operation of radial flow adsorber are crucial in large-scale industrial oxygen production, which necessitate accurate prediction of gas-solid transfer behavior. In this work, a developed Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) model combined with the adsorption model is proposed. The developed CFD-DEM model is validated by comparing simulated results with experimental data and empirical correlation. Subsequently, the effect of particle packing structure and particle shapes on the dynamic adsorption process are analyzed in detail. The results reveal the mechanism of particle packing structure affecting axial velocity distribution, showing that uneven distribution of resistance on the outer flow channel side leads to uneven axial velocity distribution in the bed. Compared to cylindrical adsorbents, the use of spherical adsorbents results in a more uniform axial velocity distribution, consequently reducing bed pressure drop. The study holds significant potential for optimizing gas distribution and improving separation efficiency in future industrial applications.