Study on turbulent aggregation dynamics in the process of fine particles capture by single fibers

Abstract

In this work, a new method of simulating fiber capturing particles was proposed, aiming to reveal the effects of fine particles turbulent aggregation on the capture performance of single fibers in the flow field. The process was numerically simulated based on a computational fluid dynamics–population balance method (CFD-PBM) and Eulerian wall film (EWF) model. The CFD-PBM method was used to calculate the turbulent aggregation of fine particles, and the EWF model was used to calculate the particle deposition of the fiber surface. The results showed that the numerical simulation results were consistent with the formulas. For the particle diameter range of 0.5–5.0 µm, the error of the numerical simulation results of capturing efficiency was reduced from 16.14% to 4.500% after considering the turbulent aggregation of fine particles. The deposition thickness of single fibers surface had a linear functional relationship with the residence time and the particle diameter. Moreover, when 0.5 µm ≤ d p ≤ 2.5 µm, the capture of single fibers had an inhibitory effect on the turbulent aggregation of particles. These studies provided a research clue for developing methods for scientific researchers to improve numerical simulation accuracy.