Solution of bivariate population balance equations using the FCMOM

The FCMOM (Finite size domain Complete set of trial functions Method Of Moments) is an efficient and accurate numerical technique to solve PBE (population balance equations) and was validated for monovariate PBE [Strumendo, M.; Arastoopour, H. Solution of PBE by MOM in Finite Size Domains. Chem. Eng. Sci. 2008, 63 (10), 2624]. In the present paper, the FCMOM is extended and used to solve bivariate PBE. In the FCMOM, the method of moments is formulated in a finite domain of the internal coordinates and the particle distribution function is represented as a truncated series expansion by a complete system of orthonormal functions. In the extension to bivariate PBE, the capabilities of the FCMOM are maintained, particularly as far as the algorithm efficiency and the accuracy in the bivariate particle distribution function reconstruction. The FCMOM was validated with the following bivariate applications: particle growth, particle dissolution, particle aggregation, and simultaneous aggregation and growth.