Topology optimisation for perforated plates in multi-staged fluidised beds

• Grant number: 23/10333-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Acordo de Cooperação: BG E&P Brasil (Shell Group)
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Martins Seckler
• Grantee: Diego Silva Prado
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Host Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP)
• Associated research grant: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I, AP.PCPE

Abstract

Reducing carbon emissions has become a global priority for mitigating the adverse effects on the climate. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) processes have gained prominence as a tool to achieve the objectives set by the global climate agreement. Gas separation by adsorption is one of the tools involved in the CCS process. It allows for separating CO2 from a gas stream and directs it towards a more suitable purpose. Two key aspects that impact the efficiency of the system are the transport of the adsorbent and the system's capacity to dissipate heat since adsorption/desorption efficiency depends on temperature. Using multistage fluidized beds as the adsorption/desorption chambers improves the transport of solid adsorbents for gas separators. However, gas-solid fluidization presents bubbles that affect heat exchange. Reducing the bubble size improves heat transfer inside the domain, improving adsorption/desorption efficiency. Topology optimization has emerged as a highly versatile tool for material distribution within a domain. It has made significant advances in implementation and the ability to explore existing manufacturing methods in recent decades. This study aims to optimize the internal component topology inside the domain to control bubble size and distribution. Fluidization is modelled using the Euler-Euler model, allied with the finite element method. Bubbles mean size and distribution are obtained using a population balance model with the quadrature method of moments. Finally, a topology optimization formulation determines the internal topology of the domain to reduce the bubble average size and pressure drop. This technology, applied to adsorption gas separation, aims to reduce the cost of CO2 capture in large-scale industrial processes. (AU)