Resolução Numérica do Problema de Sedimentação Batelada usando o Método da Captura de Interface por Tangente Hiperbólica: Avaliação do Tipo de Condição Inicial

Abstract

Sedimentation is a physical process that involves the transport and deposition of particles suspended in a fluid. This phenomenon is particularly interesting in chemical engineering due to the presence of three distinct regions: a solid-free, a region with constant solid concentration, and a region where the solid concentration varies from an initial value to a maximum. From a mathematical perspective, this problem is characterized by discontinuities and abrupt variations in solid concentration during the process. These characteristics make it challenging for traditional numerical methods to integrate the model effectively. In this study, the application of the Tangent of Hyperbola Interface Capturing (THINC) method for simulating two classic batch sedimentation case studies is evaluated. For this purpose, two types of initial conditions (Kynch and Diehl) during the simulation are studied. The results show that the proposed methodology provides accurate estimates of concentration profiles when compared to those reported in the literature. Additionally, the choice of initial condition should be based on factors such as efficiency, experimental cost, and the time available for the simulation.