Scales and structures in bubbly flows. Experimental analysis of the flow in bubble columns and in bubbling fluidized beds

In this project a detailed experimental analysis was performed of the dynamic flow field in bubbly flows, with the purpose of determining local hydrodynamics and scale effects. Measurements were done in gas-liquid systems (air-water bubble columns) and in gas-solid systems (air-sand bubbing fluidized beds) of different size. Amongst others with...

Bubble columns: Structures or stability?

The aim of the thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the hydrodynamics of the gravity driven bubbly flow that can be found in bubble columns. Special attention is paid to the large scale structures that have a strong impact on several key parameters such as the degree of mixing, mass and heat transfer. An experimental investigation has...

Learning to simulate and predict chaotic dynamical systems

With precise knowledge of the rules which govern a deterministic chaotic system, it is possible to interact with the system and change its dynamics. This research is part of a larger project, in which chaos control is used to improve the bubbling behavior of multi-phase chemical reactors. Chaos control requires models which capture the complete...

From bioreactors to bubbles to bacteria: on multi-scale interactions in gas fermentations

One of the major challenges mankind faces nowadays is combating climate change. A substantial fraction of greenhouse gases are released by industrial processes, as steelmaking, (oil)refinery and waste processing. Emissions from these processes can partly be prevented with a recently developed technology called gas fermentation. Within this...