problem with reduction of 3D to 2D for industrial scale simulation
 

hi guys,

i have the following problem, i hope someone can help or at least post hints or new ideas or suggestions:

i am simulating a lab scale phase separator with internals. it is basically a horizontal column with multiple outlets and plates. the 3D simulations give satisfactory results which we compare with experimental data and visual flow. i tried everything possible but could never achieve the same flow field with the 2D simulation. the idea behind that was, that if we achieve that, we would simulate 2D in industrial scale.

it is impossible to do industrial scale simulations bc i have mesh refinements within the internals and the machine is huge, so i have millions of cells, multiply it with 8 phases that i have to consider plus turbulence, coalescence etc., impossible to solve in a short amount of time, probably will take 1 month at least with my 38 cores.

does anybody encounter a similar or same problem and at least have a good suggestion?