Research Group of Multiphase Reactors

About the research group

Research is focused on understanding of fundamental processes in these systems with the refinement of existing models and the development of new ones. Experiments based on advanced diagnostic methods, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations based on advanced software are used for this purpose.

Vision and goals of the research group:

  • Fundamental research of transport phenomena in multiphase systems at different time-spatial scales (bubbly flow, granular flow, suspension flow)
  • Description and understanding of the connections between the interactions of individual objects (bubbles/​droplets/​particles) and the macroscopic behavior of multiphase systems (multiscale approach)
  • Study of interfacial properties and their projection into dynamics of individual objects as well as into bulk flow characteristics (presence of various additives, ions, surfactants, nanoparticles)
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Bubble and drop dynamics at microscale level

To understand the behavior of bubbly or emulsion systems, it is necessary to study the dynamics of individual bubbles or drops (particles). The interaction of two particles can lead to coalescence (joining), or when a bubble or droplet interacts with a vortex, it can break into several smaller particles. The research aims to describe the dynamic changes of bubbles or drops in different situations (e.g. formation, deformation, coalescence, breakup).

Effect of surface-active agents on the multiphase flows

Surfactants are substances whose molecules adsorb on the interfacial surface and influence the behaviour of multiphase systems (especially gas-liquid dispersions). In the case of biosurfactants (e.g. proteins, peptides), the mechanism of adsorption to the interface is not sufficiently described, and therefore it is difficult to predict their influence on the behaviour of the entire system. The aim of the research is to study the mechanism of adsorption of surfactants and biosurfactants on the bubble interface and their projection to hydrodynamics and mass transfer in bubbly flows.

Powder and granular systems

Powder and granular systems, characterized by a variety of particle sizes, shapes, and material properties, exhibit complex dynamic behavior. These systems are influenced by forces, the spatial arrangement of individual grains, and flow properties, which together determine macroscopic behavior such as segregation, mixing, and pattern formation. Using advanced computational models and experiments, our research aims to describe the theoretical basis for the behavior of these systems. The results of our research have potential applicability in various industries, such as pharmaceutical and chemical industries, agriculture, and construction.

Mass transport through liquid films

Thin liquid layers are crucial for a number of important transport processes in physics, chemistry, and engineering. At the interface between gas and liquid phases, the dissolution of substances and their transport by diffusion occurs due to the different physical properties and solubility of the gases. Our goal is to develop a thin liquid film-based system for efficient separation of gaseous mixtures and to optimize it for state application. This is a novel idea with the potential to improve gas separation processes.

Other research topics

  • Heat transfer in liquids with nanoparticles
  • Hydrodynamics of micro and nanobubbles

Projects

Instrumentation

Members

Sandra Orvalho, Ph.D. Head of Research Group, Researcher
Ing. Mária Zedníková, Ph.D. Head of Department, Researcher
Mgr. Václav Harrandt Ph.D. Student
Mgr. Anna Kokavcová Ph.D. Student
Mgr. Anna Paříková Ph.D. Student
Ing. Vladislav Shirokov Ph.D. Student
Ing. Mark Terentyak Ph.D. Student
Ing. Eliška Lyko Vachková Research Assistant
Ing. Roman Petrychkovych Research Assistant
Ing. Tereza Trávníčková, Ph.D. Scientific Assistant