A computer vision approach towards verifying CFD models of stirred tank reactors

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Fyfe, Calum and Barrington, Henry and Gordon, Charles M. and Reid, Marc (2024) A computer vision approach towards verifying CFD models of stirred tank reactors. Organic Process Research and Development, 28 (9). pp. 3661-3673. ISSN 1083-6160 (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.oprd.4c00229)

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Abstract

Mixing is one of the most important nonchemical considerations in the design of scalable processes. While noninvasive imaging approaches to deliver a quantifiable understanding of mixing dynamics are well-known, the use of imaging to verify computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models remains in its infancy. Herein, we use colorimetric reactions and our kinetic imaging software, Kineticolor, to explore (i) the correlation of imaging kinetics with pH probe measurements, (ii) feed point sensitivity for Villermaux-Dushman-type competing parallel reactions, and (iii) the use of experimental imaging kinetic data to qualitatively assess CFD models. We report further evidence that the influences of the stirring rate, baffle presence, and feed position on mixing in a tank reactor can be informatively captured with a camcorder and help experimentally verify CFD models. Overall, this work advances scarce little precedent in demonstrating the use of computer vision to verify CFD models of fluid flow in tank reactors.

ORCID iDs

Fyfe, Calum, Barrington, Henry, Gordon, Charles M. and Reid, Marc ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4394-3132;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)