Three-dimensional simulation of multilayer particle deposition in an obstructed channel flow

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 258; pp. 134 - 143
• Main Authors: Lecrivain, Gregory, Barry, Leopold, Hampel, Uwe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Detached eddy simulation; Dry granular mechanics; Exact sciences and technology; Liquid-liquid and fluid-solid mechanical separations; Miscellaneous; Multilayer particle deposition; Obstructed channel flow; Self-organised criticality; Settling; Solid-solid systems; Multilayer particle deposition; Detached eddy simulation; Dry granular mechanics; Obstructed channel flow; Self-organised criticality; Turbulent flow; Pipe flow; Computational fluid dynamics; Reynolds number; Multiple layer; Sedimentation; Nuclear reactor; Three dimensional model; Theoretical model; Morphology; Aerosols; Ventilation; Channel flow; Criticality
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2014.03.019

A large variety of systems are subject to slow and lengthy processes of solid aerosol particle deposition in turbulent flows. As a result of a long exposure to deposition, a multilayer particle bed eventually forms over time. Notable examples are the formation of multilayer deposits in ventilation ducts, in nuclear reactors or on earth surfaces subject to atmospheric sedimentation. Simulations are of great importance to predict the multilayer deposition of solid aerosol particles. Theoretical models are quite limited since their complexity rapidly increases when the flow becomes turbulent and the surface geometry complex. The present study proposes a new three-dimensional approach to reproduce the growth of a multilayer deposit in a turbulent obstructed channel flow at Reynolds number Re=10,000. Computational Fluid Dynamics and Computational Granular Dynamics are brought together to simulate 4h of real deposition. A detached eddy simulation is employed to predict particle deposition while self-organised criticality is employed to reproduce the slow growth of the multilayer deposit. The three dimensional shape of the multilayer deposit matches remarkably well the experimental data. [Display omitted] •Detached-Eddy Simulation simulates the transport and deposition of particles.•Lengthy deposition of particles leads to the formation of a multilayer deposit.•The resulting multilayer deposit exhibits a strong granular behaviour.•Self-organised criticality simulates the 3D growth of the multilayer deposit.