Possible ways to model flow distribution and pressure drop in process and power equipment containing porous elements (e.g. tube sheets of dense tube bundles of recuperative heat exchangers, matrices of regenerative heat exchangers, packed beds of catalytic converters, etc.) are discussed. A simplified, hybrid flow distribution and pressure drop model based on finite volume method and applicable to a wide variety of equipment is proposed. Given the fact that the model in question is intended to be utilised primarily in optimisation algorithms, emphasis is placed on both obtaining accurate-enough data within relatively short time frames and ease of automation of the process. A proof-of-concept implementation of the model is discussed alongside improvements regarding solution convergence and solution efficiency in general that are critical in order to make the model commercially viable given its intended application.
