Computational fluid dynamics model of ethylene-butene copolymerization in fluidized bed reactor

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for studying fluid phenomena in various systems. In this study, the focus is on developing a CFD model to investigate the copolymerization reaction in a fluidized bed reactor. The CFD model consists of two main parts: the hydrodynamic model and the polymerization model. The hydrodynamic model was used to analyze the particle segregation behavior within the system. The simulations revealed that the introduction of baffles into the reactor could reduce segregation. Particularly, inserting a baffle at a 45-degree angle in the middle of the reaction zone, and adding another baffle layer above the first one, proved to be the most effective approach in minimizing segregation behavior. On the other hand, the polymerization model is developed using the method of moments approach. This approach simplifies the mass balance equations for chain species, allowing for a more manageable set of equations. By coupling the hydrodynamic model with the polymerization model, it becomes possible to represent the copolymerization of ethylene and 1-butene. The CFD model provides insights into the copolymerization reaction by obtaining important parameters such as average molecular weight and polydispersity index. These parameters can be analyzed using statistical tools, leading to a better understanding of the copolymerization process in the fluidized bed reactor. Overall, the developed CFD model contributes to the knowledge and understanding of copolymerization reactions, and it serves as a valuable tool for optimizing reactor design and improving polymer product quality.