Saturation in Liquid/Gas Coalescence

Abstract

The problem was to construct a mathematical model for a liquid/gas coalescer, in order that the model could be analyzed to find combinations of parameters that would minimize the effects of saturation.
The team has developed three complementary models, each with different strengths and weaknesses so that, depending on the information desired, one model may be more useful than another. The three models are:

1. A continuum model giving a macroscopic description of the filter. The governing equations are derived from first-principle consider- ations of conservation of mass and momentum. Constitutive relations for this model are derived by considering the processes going on in the filter at a microscopic level.
2. A stochastic model based on a Markov Decision Process. Each droplet is modelled as a single entity that can merge or move stochastically. This leads to a Markov simulation of the filter and the computation of average quantities.
3. A Lattice-Boltzmann model. The droplets are modelled to interact with each other and with the filter, using a Boltzmann distribution for their speed. This simulates the hydrodynamic behaviour of the droplet inside the filter.