Experimental and numerical study on the flow behavior in a jet-driven swirling flow

In order to understand the asphalt separation processes in a new technique of solvent deasphalting, the hydrodynamics of the jet-driven swirling flow within a spray granulation tower (SGT) was studied by using experimental and numerical methods. Mean velocity components were measured by use of the Phase Doppler Particle Anemometer (PDPA). Simulation with Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) was carried out to understand the flow information. Two different zones in the jet-driven swirling flow were observed in both experiment and simulation. A combined effect of jet, jet entrainment and jet interactions leads to complex flow behavior in the upper part. A double swirling flow was identified on the basis of the tangential and the axial velocity distribution in the lower part. The specific flow pattern was identified based on the experimental and computational flow field. An empirical formula was proposed to predict the percentage of the SGT occupied by the jet and the swirl zone.