title: Modeling of a continuous pretreatment reactor using computational fluid dynamics.
abstract: Computational fluid dynamic simulations are employed to predict flow characteristics in a continuous auger driven reactor designed for the dilute acid pretreatment of biomass. Slurry containing a high concentration of biomass solids exhibits a high viscosity, which poses unique mixing issues within the reactor. The viscosity increases significantly with a small increase in solids concentration and also varies with temperature. A well-mixed slurry is desirable to evenly distribute acid on biomass, prevent buildup on the walls of the reactor, and provides an uniform final product. Simulations provide flow patterns obtained over a wide range of viscosities and pressure distributions, which may affect reaction rates. Results provide a tool for analyzing sources of inconsistencies in product quality and insight into future design and operating parameters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. eric.berson@louisville.edu
authors.forename: R Eric
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Berson
authors.forename: Rajesh K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Dasari
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Hanley
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000737:chemistry*; D005591:Chemical Fractionation / Q000379:methods; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008956:Models, Chemical; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial / Q000737:chemistry*; D012212:Rheology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012995:Solubility; D013464:Sulfuric Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D014783:Viscosity; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D002241:Carbohydrates; D013464:Sulfuric Acids; C033158:sulfuric acid