An Optical Method for the Validation of Synthetic Fixed Bed Structures and CFD Simulation Input using Machine Learning

For the improvement of fixed bed reactor (FBR) performance (i.e., specific surface area, pressure drop, radial heat transfer, etc.), the particle shape characteristics are typically varied. For a systematic investigation, experimental measurements and simulation methods are combined. For simulations with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) a digital representation of the fixed bed is required, which can originate from filling simulation or from CT scans. A novel workflow based on 3D optical scanning of the FBR outer surface is presented in this poster for synthetic fixed bed validation and CFD input. Compared to previous digitization methods, the optical method offers advantages,  such as on-site availability and a CAD assembly.