Abstract：The aim of this paper is to explore the application of CFD in RDC design, by using the volume of fluid model. The film thickness and velocity distribution on the disc surface, bulk liquid flow pattern have been numerically simulated in the reactor. The performance of the reactor, especially the power and the liquid thickness have been studied with CFD. The effect of discs spacing on the flow field and performance was also investigated. The result showed that the liquid film on the disc surface according to its characteristic can be divided into initial region, accelerating region and uniform region. In initial region, the liquid film is the thickest and its motion slowest, and party of the liquid back flow. In accelerating region, the liquid film is thinner and faster. In uniform region, film thickness and velocity is nearly constant. The liquid flow pattern is Stewartson flow and discs spacing have major influence on liquid flow pattern. "Vertical vortex" is the main way of mass exchange between discs and tank. When L/D is between 0.2 and 0.4, it is beneficial to mixing in the tank. Based on numerical simulation and dimensional analysis, the correlation equation of power number and the expression of average film thickness were obtained. Comparing with the literature, it was showed that CFD method can simulate the hydrodynamics of disc rotating reactor and predict its flow field and performance perfectly.
