Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of velocity fields in a rotating disc contactor

A tangential velocity field is measured in a rotating disc contactor (RDC) with a column diameter of 300 mm, column height of 360 mm, and rotating speeds ranging from 230 to 600 r/min with no throughput. Numerical simulation is carried out using PHOENICS computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Results of the numerical simulation are in fairly good agreement with experimental results. The results obtained in this study are useful for further investigation of fluid behaviour inside an RDC extraction column and for equipment design.