CFD Simulation of a conical-cylindrical crystallization unit using multi-phase eulerian model

In search for the optimal geometrical dimensions of a conical-cylindrical crystallization unit, the influences of the location and the opening angle of draft tube in the unit on: (i) unit power input distribution, (ii) average mixing power, and (iii) pumping capacity, are examined by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations. The objective is to maximize the hydraulic efficiency in the crystallization unit. Results indicate an optimal draft tube position between 0.35 and 0.5 h_r/d_r and an optimal draft tube opening angle in the range of 8° and 13°, in which hydraulic efficiency is maximized. No elimination of circulation loops is observed within the aforementioned optimal configuration.