EFFECT OF TURBULENT DISPERSION FORCE ON kLa PREDICTIONS IN A BUBBLE COLUMN REACTOR

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is widely used to study bubble column reactors, enabling the estimation of gas holdup and the volumetric mass
transfer coefficient (k_La). Accurate prediction of these parameters requires proper consideration of interfacial forces. The importance of drag force is well established,and more recently, the role of lift force has been highlighted due to its influence on the radial distribution of the dispersed phase. However, there is still no consensus regarding the inclusion of the turbulence dispersion force. In this context, the present study evaluates its impact by analyzing both the agreement of k_La values with experimental data when this force is included and the qualitative improvement in the spatial distribution of the gas holdup throughout the reactor.