The energy-minimization multi-scale (EMMS) model has been introduced to improve the population balance modeling (PBM) of gas-liquid flows. The energy for bubble breakup and coalescence can be obtained from the EMMS model and then used to derive a correction factor for the coalescence rate. This new model is applied in this study to simulate the bubble columns of high flow rates. Simulations using the three different models

namely

the constant-bubble-size model

the CFD-PBM model and the CFD-PBM-EMMS model

are compared with experimental data. The simulation of CFD-PBM-EMMS gives better prediction for bubble size distribution and liquid axial velocity at different heights as well as the overall and local gas holdup. The relative error of global gas holdup reduces to 5% or 15%

and the mean relative error of local gas holdup reduces to 8% or 17% for 0.16 m·s-1 or 0.25 m·s-1 of superficial gas velocity.