Using the DEM-CFD method to predict Brownian particle deposition in a constricted tube--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Chaumeil, F., & Crapper, M. (2014). Using the DEM-CFD method to predict Brownian particle deposition in a constricted tube. Particuology, 15, 94–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2013.05.005

Using the DEM-CFD method to predict Brownian particle deposition in a constricted tube

Florian Chaumeil, Martin Crapper^*

School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom

10.1016/j.partic.2013.05.005

Volume 15, August 2014, Pages 94-106

Received 6 February 2013, Revised 22 May 2013, Accepted 23 May 2013, Available online 24 September 2013.

E-mail: Martin.Crapper@ed.ac.uk

Highlights

• One-way computational coupling between CFD and DEM models appeared most suitable.

• Deposited particle numbers were correlated with flow rate, particle concentration and size.

• Scouring and impact mechanisms were identified as sources of particle re-suspension.

• Cluster rolling mechanism was described.

• Deposition number variability was linked to cluster re-suspension.

Abstract

Modelling of the agglomeration and deposition on a constricted tube collector of colloidal size particles immersed in a liquid is investigated using the discrete element method (DEM). The ability of this method to represent surface interactions allows the simulation of agglomeration and deposition at the particle scale. The numerical model adopts a mechanistic approach to represent the forces involved in colloidal suspensions by including near-wall drag retardation, surface interaction and Brownian forces. The model is implemented using the commercially available DEM package EDEM 2.3^®, so that results can be replicated in a standard and user-friendly framework. The effects of various particle-to-collector size ratios, inlet fluid flow-rates and particle concentrations are examined and it is found that deposition efficiency is strongly dependent on the inter-relation of these parameters. Particle deposition and re-suspension mechanisms have been identified and analyzed thanks to EDEM's post processing capability. One-way coupling with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is considered and results are compared with a two-way coupling between EDEM 2.3^® and FLUENT 12.1^®. It is found that two-way coupling requires circa 500% more time than one-way coupling for similar results.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Discrete element method; DEM; Colloids; Agglomeration; Deposition; Simulation

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