A multiscale method for a novel structured
packing, Winpak, was
developed to study liquid distribution and local hydrodynamics. The
method combines a unit network model with the computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) method. The unit network model was used to predict
the liquid distribution at the macroscale by defining 10 distribution
coefficients. The distribution coefficients were obtained based on
microscale behavior of liquid distribution which was simulated in
six representative elementary units by the CFD method. The VOF model
was used to capture the interface between the gas phase and the liquid
film. Through simulation results, three flow patterns were observed.
In addition, the relatively large liquid holdup and wetting area of
Winpak were elucidated. The average film thickness in REUs was also
investigated. Furthermore, the liquid distribution obtained from the
macroscale model indicates that the windows could mitigate the tendency
of liquid flowing toward the sidewall.