Particle Residence Time Research Articles

Structure-Reactivity- and Modelling-Relationships during Thermal Annealing in Biomass Entrained-Flow Gasification: The Effect of Temperature and Residence Time

Biomass entrained-flow gasification enables the sustainable production of chemicals and liquid fuels. For reliable and accurate gasifier operation and design, the analysis of biomass char reactivity represents one of the key studies. Therefore, the annealing-induced char reactivity loss needs to be investigated for biogenic feedstocks from microscopic to reactor level. In the present work, the influence of pyrolysis temperature and particle residence time on solid digestate char reactivity and structure is studied. Several char types are prepared in a pressurized entrained-flow reactor between 1200 °C and 1600 °C with varying residence times between 0.4–2.4 s. Isothermal char reactivity in O2 and CO2 atmosphere is measured by TGA and reactivities are determined. Strong char deactivation between 1200 °C and 1400 °C resulted from severe heat treatment, especially toward the CO2 reaction. At 1600 °C, the influence of residence time becomes less relevant since all measured reactivities are comparably low. Experimental data are fitted to a coal deactivation model and verified for biogenic residues with very good agreement. The results are further corroborated by char structure analysis using FT-IR, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDX and ETV-ICP-OES. The decrease in char reactivity is mainly attributed to graphitization and the formation of aromatic ring structures. Char deactivation is further promoted by the loss of catalytic mineral matter and by high concentrations of inhibiting elements like phosphorus.

Regulatory mechanism and applicability of pulsed gas on drying uniformity of non-spherical wet grains in a fluidized-bed

Pulsed gas can regulate the uniform fluidization of particles, thereby enhancing the product quality of wet grains after drying. However, due to the diversity of grain shapes, the regulatory mechanism and applicability of pulsed gas on the drying uniformity of grains remain unclear. This study used an improved CFD-DEM drying model for wet grains to investigate how particle shape and pulsed frequency affect flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer. The results showed that increasing pulsed frequency can transition the particle mixing mechanism from convective to diffusive, and reduce the particle residence time in high-temperature regions. The formation frequency of horizontal channel-like bubbles influences the mesoscale structure evolution and interphase heat transfer uniformity. However, higher pulsed frequency decreases contact time between particles and bubbles, requiring a balance between mixing intensity and bubble contact. Finally, the intercriteria correlation method quantified the applicability of pulsed frequency for drying particles with different shapes.

Study on solid powder fuel transport characteristics and mixing degree in scramjet combustor

Abstract The powder scramjet engine is considered the best engine for hypersonic weapons because of its advantages of easy adjustment, flame stability, and high efficiency. However, due to the extremely short residence time of particle fuel in the combustion chamber under high Mach conditions, there is a risk of fuel mixing. Based on the existing combustion chamber models of scramjet engines, this paper proposes a new solid fuel blending enhancement structure by combining shock generator structure and transverse jet and compares the performance and mass transfer characteristics of different shock generators. The CFD method is used to solve the RANS formula to simulate the particle transfer process, and the SST k-ω model is used to calculate the complex turbulence. It was found that when the reverse shock generator was used, the mixing degree of solid particles was higher.

Analysis of the Dispersive and Distributive Mixing Effect of Screw Elements on the Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder with Particle Tracking.

Compounding is an important step in processing base polymers and is used to incorporate various additives into a polymer. For this purpose, different screw elements are used for dispersive and distributive mixing on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Optimising the screw configuration requires precise knowledge of the screw elements' mixing properties, which have not been thoroughly investigated. This study analyses the mixing behaviour of individual screw elements regarding dispersive and distributive mixing using 3D CFD flow simulations with subsequent particle tracking. For distributive mixing, the particle distribution behind the screw elements in the XY plane is analysed and the mixing index MQ, which relates the standard deviation and the mean value of the triangular areas between the particles, is calculated. For dispersive mixing, the maximum shear stress on the particle path and the integral of the shear stress over the residence time of each individual particle are determined. The results show that screw element geometry and rotation speed have a significant influence on dispersive and distributive mixing. In addition, better dispersive mixing is achievable with highly viscous materials. These findings enable the optimisation of the mixing zone of a co-rotating twin-screw extruder for the efficient mixing of mineral fillers.

Numerical simulation of multiphase flow induced by bottom blowing limestone powder in converter steelmaking

A full-scale three-dimensional model of a 120 t steel converter was established to evaluate the effects of bottom-blown limestone particle injection speed, diameter, and nozzle location on the particle distribution and molten metal flow field using numerical simulations. The results indicated that a particle injection speed of 6 m/s, particle diameter of 0.5 mm, and injection nozzle location at 1/2 of the converter bottom radius provided the longest particle residence time and largest quantity of particles in the molten metal. Furthermore, the use of these parameters produced within the molten metal an obvious particle concentration along the centerline of the converter, the fastest average liquid metal–particle flow velocity, and moderate splashing. These optimal injection parameters created favorable kinetic conditions for the dephosphorization reaction essential to steelmaking. This study provide a theoretical basis for realizing the improved efficiency associated with the use limestone instead of lime in practical steel production.

Influence of flame stability on iron oxide nanoparticle growth during FSP

Flame stability during flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) remains an active topic of investigation due to its impact on synthesised particle attributes and purity. The unique feature of the burner investigated here is the ability to control flame stability over newly defined stability maps. The novelty of the current work lies in understanding the influence of these broad stability modes on nanoparticle growth during FSP and on the attributes of collected products. Several distinct flame configurations are selected for iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis, ranging from stable to highly unstable flames. The flame stability regimes are characterised by OH∗ chemiluminescence and broadband flame luminescence imaging. Stability is correlated with the coefficient of variation of flame luminescence (CV) and flame height with mean OH∗ chemiluminescence. Planar Mie scattering is then used to identify the effect of flame luminescence intermittency on spray atomisation and evaporation quality. For particle analysis, in-situ thermophoretic sampling is performed from 30 to 200 mm above the burner exit plane and analysed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further ex-situ analysis is also performed on the bulk-collected product via high-resolution TEM, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). It is demonstrated that flames with higher instability (CVmin ≥ 0.35) maintain increased spray heights (>26 %) and reduced flame heights (>79 %) compared to stable flames with the same precursor volume flowrate. This reduces the high-temperature particle residence time for primary particle growth and impacts subsequent agglomeration. For example, the mean diameter of gyration and primary particle diameter are found to vary by 44 % and 29 % depending on the flame regime, respectively. Ex-situ analysis also demonstrates that the dominant iron oxide phase produced is maghemite regardless of the stability regime. However, higher concentrations of organic impurities including methyl, methylene and carboxylate functional groups are found via ATR-FTIR with increased flame instability (CV).

Barriers that Inhaled Particles Encounter.

Inhalable particulate drug carriers-nano- and micro-particles, liposomes, and micelles-should be designed to promote drug deposition in the lung and engineered to exhibit the desired drug release property. To deposit at the desired site of action, inhaled particles must evade various lines of lung defense, including mucociliary clearance, entrapment by mucus layer, and phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages. Various physiological, mechanical, and chemical barriers of the respiratory system reduce particle residence time in the lungs, prevent particle deposition in the deep lung, remove drug-filled particles from the lung, and thus diminish the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled drugs. To develop inhalable drug carriers with efficient deposition properties and optimal retention in the lungs, particle engineers should have a thorough understanding of the barriers that particles confront and appreciate the lung defenses that remove the particles from the respiratory system. Thus, this section summarizes the mechanical, chemical, and immunological barriers of the lungs that inhaled particles must overcome and discusses the influence of these barriers on the fate of inhaled particles.

A four-way coupled numerical investigation of draft tube baffled crystallizer

In the present paper, the liquid–solid two-phase turbulent flow in a Draft Tube Baffled crystallizer has been simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics. In this respect, multiphase Eulerian model along with population balance equations were applied. To implement four-way coupling, aggregation and breakage were considered. The RNG k-ε and RSM turbulence models were employed to conduct numerical simulation of two phase turbulent flow. Results demonstrated that applying RNG k-ε and RSM turbulence models, a significant difference in axial velocity profiles along the x-axis is observed, while those along the z-axis exhibit less difference. Moreover, a significant difference in volume fraction between the two models was observed which mostly concerns the region within the draft tube and the distance between the baffle and crystallizer wall. Furthermore, changing the propeller speed from 165 to 495 rpm, the speed of 330 rpm showed to be optimal in terms of particles residence time. The results also showed that a rise in impeller speed is one of the major contributors to mass exchange enhancement between the liquid and the solid phases. Accordingly, as the impeller speed rises, the rate of mass exchange increases from 9.92 kg/h for 165 rpm to 29.07 kg/h for 495 rpm.

Optimizing distal and proximal splenic artery embolization with patient-specific computational fluid dynamics

Splenic artery embolization (SAE) has become a favored alternative to splenectomy, offering a less invasive intervention for injured spleens while preserving spleen function. However, our understanding of the role that hemodynamics plays during embolization remains limited. In this study, we utilized patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to study distal and proximal embolization strategies commonly used in SAE. Detailed 3D computer models were constructed considering the descending aorta, various major visceral arteries, and the iliac arteries. Subsequently, the blood flow and pressure associated with different coil placement locations in proximal embolization were studied considering the collateral vessels. Coil induced variations in pressure fields were quantified and compared to baseline. The coil induced flow stagnation was also quantified with particle residence time. Distal embolization was modeled with Lagrangian particle tracking and the effect of particle size, release location, and timing on embolization outcome was studied. Our findings highlight the crucial role of collateral vessels in maintaining blood supply to the spleen following proximal embolization. It was demonstrated that coil location can affect distal pressure and that strategic coil placement guided by patient-specific CFD simulations can further reduce this pressure as desired. Additionally, the results point to the critical roles that particle size, release timing, and location play in distal embolization. Our study provides an early attempt to use patient-specific computer modeling for optimizing embolization strategies and ultimately improving patient outcomes during SAE procedures.

Thermal behavior of coated powder during directed energy deposition (DED)

In powder-based additive manufacturing (AM), the quality of the feedstock material is critical for obtaining enhanced mechanical properties. Recently, the application of coated powders during directed energy deposition (DED) has been prompted by the goal of fabricating composite and functional materials in-situ. The complex temperature and momentum fields established during DED render direct experimental characterization of coated powder behavior challenging. To address this challenge, this study reports on the thermal behavior of coated powders during interactions with the molten pool by constructing three-dimensional heat transfer and phase distribution models using the finite elements method (FEM). Transient temperature and phase distributions were calculated for coated and uncoated stainless steel 316L and ZnAl powders under various particle size, coating thickness, molten pool temperature, and coating material conditions. Particle residence time values were extracted from the calculations, defined as time spent by the particle before a phase change. The results show large variations in particle residence time (85 μs to 2670 μs for stainless steel 316L particles, and 48 μs to infinity for ZnAl particles) as a function of the variables considered, especially the thermal diffusivity of the coating materials, thereby highlighting the potential value of coatings as an additional design parameter in DED. Significant increases in particle residence time for both stainless steel 316L and ZnAl particles were found when contact angle increases from 0° (submergence regime) to 180° (floating regime).

Elucidating the hemodynamic impact of residual stenosis post-carotid artery stenting: A numerical study.

Residual stenosis (RS) and hemodynamics demonstrate a significant correlation with postoperative in-stent restenosis/thrombosis following carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study endeavors to elucidate the potential associations between RS and adverse postoperative hemodynamic factors. This study utilized 46 patient-specific carotid artery models post-stenting, which were categorized into two groups based on the presence of RS: the normal group (N, n=23) and the RS group (RS, n=23). A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the discrepancies in geometry and adverse hemodynamic parameters, alongside investigating the potential correlation between hemodynamic and geometric parameters. The results reveal that a higher reflux flow volume is discernible in the RS group during low-velocity phases of the cardiac cycle, concomitant with an augmented extent of areas exposed to oscillatory shear stress and extended particle residence time. Moreover, the adverse hemodynamic parameters exhibit a positive correlation with the degree of stent expansion, stent length in the common carotid artery (CCA), and the distal slope of the RS. The distal slope and tortuosity of RS significantly influence the development of adverse hemodynamic conditions post-stenting, exacerbating the hemodynamic environment near the stenosis. Interestingly, while an extended stent length in the internal carotid artery (ICA) region improves hemodynamics by reducing flow disturbance, a longer stent in the CCA significantly worsens these conditions. Hence, it is prudent to analyze the characteristics of the local lesion regions to optimize the strategy for stent implantation.

Tracing the Transport and Residence Times of Atmospheric Microplastics Using Natural Radionuclides.

While atmospheric microplastics are known to be transported over long distances, their residence times and transport processes lack clarity. This study utilized natural radionuclides 7Be, 210Pb, and 210Po to explore the transport of atmospheric microplastics in Tianjin, a coastal city in Northern China. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.13 particles m-3 over the course of a year. The proportion of microplastic fragments in winter was significantly higher than that in other seasons, with median microplastic sizes in autumn and winter being larger than those in spring and summer. The atmospheric microplastic surface was rough, exhibiting irregular pores and multiple depressions and cracks. Microplastics experienced vertical mixing with the upper atmosphere in April and August and were influenced by rainfall in July. The residence time of atmospheric particles ranged from 9.47 to 22.85 days throughout the year, with an average of 14.41 days. The peak residence time of atmospheric particulates in November may be correlated with increased 210Po levels from coal consumption. Their prolonged atmospheric presence and rough surface allow microplastics to act as carriers for various chemical pollutants, underscoring the complexity and potential risks associated with their presence in the atmosphere.

Engineering of LiTaO3 Nanoparticles by Flame Spray Pyrolysis: Understanding In Situ Li-Incorporation into the Ta2O5 Lattice.

Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) perovskite finds wide use in pyroelectric detectors, optical waveguides and piezoelectric transducers, stemming from its good mechanical and chemical stability and optical transparency. Herein, we present a method for synthesis of LiTaO3 nanoparticles using a scalable Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) technology, that allows the formation of LiTaO3 nanomaterials in a single step. Raman, XRD and TEM studies allow for comprehension of the formation mechanism of the LiTaO3 nanophases, with particular emphasis on the penetration of Li atoms into the Ta-oxide lattice. We show that, control of the High-Temperature Particle Residence Time (HTPRT) in the FSP flame, is the key-parameter that allows successful penetration of the -otherwise amorphous- Li phase into the Ta2O5 nanophase. In this way, via control of the HTPRT in the FSP process, we synthesized a series of nanostructured LiTaO3 particles of varying phase composition from {amorphous Li/Ta2O5/LiTaO3} to {pure LiTaO3, 15-25 nm}. Finally, the photophysical activity of the FSP-made LiTaO3 was validated for photocatalytic H2 production from H2O. These data are discussed in conjunction with the role of the phase composition of the LiTaO3 nanoparticles. More generally, the present work allows a better understanding of the mechanism of ABO3 perovskite formation that requires the incorporation of two cations, A and B, into the nanolattice.

Understanding Salinity Intrusion and Residence Times in a Small-Scale Bar-Built Estuary under Drought Scenarios: The Maipo River Estuary, Central Chile

The Maipo River estuary is a low-inflow bar-built estuary that includes a protected wetland, which harbors a rich ecosystem. The estuary and wetland have been threatened by a persistent drought for more than a decade, which has resulted in greater salinity intrusion and increased residence times. Previous studies have described salinity and pollutants in estuaries; however, almost all have focused on deeper and/or wider estuaries with dimensions much larger than those of the small-scale Maipo River estuary. In this study, we used the numerical model FVCOM to simulate the dynamics of the Maipo River estuary under drought scenarios and explored the interactions between river discharge and tides in terms of saline intrusion and particle dispersal. The model was validated against observations collected during a field campaign near the river mouth. The simulations successfully reproduced the water surface elevation but underestimated salinity values, such that the vertical salinity structure observed in the field was not captured by the model in this shallow and morphologically complex estuary. Consequently, our model results provide qualitative insight related to salinity and baroclinic dynamics. Results of maximum saline intrusion showed an exponential decay with increasing river discharge, and the analysis of salinity intrusion time series revealed that droughts may cause permanent non-zero salinity levels in the estuary, potentially affecting ecological cycles. The incorporation of passive tracers showed that decreasing river discharge increases the residence time of particles by allowing the tracers to re-enter the estuary. Model results showed the formation of accumulation zones (hotspots) in the shallower zones of the estuary.

Evaluation of industrial performance of a new three phase fluidized bed flotation column-Based on product size characterization

There are still a large number of minerals processed by flotation every year, so it is extremely important to improve the flotation efficiency in industrial production. This study established an experimental test platform for new three-phase fluidized bed flotation column (TFC). The effects of different operating conditions and equipment parameters (apparent gas velocity, apparent liquid velocity, and filling height) on separation effect of coal slime were investigated. Relationship between turbulence intensity inside TFC and the flotation effect of coal slime with different particle sizes was analyzed. Results show that turbulence intensity in fluidized environment can be influenced by adjusting operating conditions to increase the probability of adhesion and collision of fine-grained particles with air bubbles. Differences of particle size distribution in the radial and axial directions of TFC are influenced by settling velocity. Increasing circulation volume can increase residence time of particles in flotation process. Micro and nano bubbles have excellent characteristics which are beneficial to particle collision and adhesion. By adjusting the parameters, it can meet needs of mineral separation and mineralization environment and realize effective recovery of slime with different particle sizes. This study was conducted by analyzing the flotation of fine particles by TFC during industrial platform testing. By evaluating the industrial performance of TFC, it provides a reference for future industrial large-scale applications.

Plasma-Sprayed Osseoconductive Hydroxylapatite Coatings for Endoprosthetic Hip Implants: Phase Composition, Microstructure, Properties, and Biomedical Functions

This contribution attempts to provide a state-of-the-art account of the physicochemical and biomedical properties of the plasma-sprayed hydroxylapatite (HAp) coatings that are routinely applied to the surfaces of metallic endoprosthetic and dental root implants designed to replace or restore the lost functions of diseased or damaged tissues of the human body. Even though the residence time of powder particles of HAp in the plasma jet is extremely short, the high temperature applied induces compositional and structural changes in the precursor HAp that severely affect its chemical and physical properties and in turn its biomedical performance. These changes are based on the incongruent melting behavior of HAp and can be traced, among many other analytical techniques, by high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction, vibrational (Raman) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In vivo reactions of the plasma-sprayed coatings to extracellular fluid (ECF) can be assessed and predicted by in vitro testing using simulated body fluids (SBFs) as proxy agents. Ways to safeguard the appropriate biological performance of HAp coatings in long-term service by controlling their phase content, porosity, surface roughness, residual stress distribution, and adhesion to the implant surface are being discussed.

The investigation on the ceiling of inlet velocity regarding to fine particle separation in a cyclone

The maximum efficiency inlet velocity (MEIV) serves as the upper limit for the inlet velocity that defines the separation efficiency in cyclone design and operation. In this paper, a combination of numerical and experimental methods is used to study MEIV. Experimental findings indicate that the MEIV is 22 m/s for a median particle size of 12.39 μm (coarse powder) and 35 m/s for a median particle size of 2.93 μm (fine powder). Meanwhile, the amount of escaped fine powder is reduced by 25% compared to that at an inlet velocity of 22 m/s. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have shown that the inconsistency between tangential and axial velocity growth of inlet velocity with respect to various powder diameters can explain this phenomenon. As the inlet velocity increases, the peak axial velocity exhibits a stepwise increase. When the peak value remains constant, the peak width increases. This phenomenon is called stagnation of the axial velocity. During the axial velocity stagnation step, the residence time of back-mixed particles vary. In contrast, the tangential velocity increases linearly with the inlet velocity, resulting in an enhanced secondary separation of the inner vortex. Both factors hinder the escape of fine particles due to entrainment by a rapid upward airflow. The inlet velocity range corresponding to the stagnation step of the fine powder is larger than that of the coarse powder. Therefore, the MEIV of the fine powder is higher.

Impact of ventilation efficiency on restraining hazardous toilet plume post-flushing in indoor environments

This study analyzed the hybrid ventilation efficiency of indoor toilet plumes generated post-flushing with various designs. Single-sided natural ventilation and hybrid ventilation were numerically investigated to determine the impact of vent locations commonly found in multistorey buildings. An in-situ experiment was performed to identify the size distribution of the plume with time series. A computational fluid dynamics model based on the Reynolds-averaged naiver-Stokes equations and baseline k-ω turbulence equations was used to predict aerosol pollutant transmission. The aerosol-laden particles receded gradually impacted by the convection of the ambient source. Besides flush volume, temperature and ventilation scenarios were also related to the generation and droplet transmission. The results indicated that the ventilation rates were generally increased with decreased residence time if the turbulence was not suppressed. This study suggested that appropriate ventilation design could significantly reduce the average particle residence time, in which case it could also reduce the rate of virus infection.

Evolution of some flow-related properties of diffusive aerosols along a tube

This is the third of a series of papers dealing with the behavior of Brownian aerosol particles immersed in a laminar fluid flow. The evolution along the tube of the distributions of particle radial positions (RPD), particle residence time (RTD), and particle mean axial velocity (MAVD) were determined by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of particles trajectories. The RPD and particle penetration was also determined by numerical solution of the advection-diffusion equation (ADE) with negligible particle axial diffusion. The fairly good agreement shown between the results obtained by these two methods justifies our confidence on the use of the MC technique to determine other particle properties, as MAVD and RTD, for which the corresponding differential equation is yet unknown. Flow-related properties of the aerosol, such as penetration and residence time, are mainly determined by its MAVD. The MAVD is intimately related to the RPD; the latter evolves in such a manner that the surviving particles tend to accumulate nearer the tube axis and farther from the wall. When the fluid local velocity depends on the spatial location, the mean particle axial velocity increases as the aerosol flows downstream the tube, and its value can be considerably larger than the mean fluid velocity, in spite that no external force is acting on the particle. A direct consequence of this counterintuitive fact is that the mean aerosol residence time in the tube can be much smaller, by a factor of ∼0.65, than that of the fluid for even moderate values of the particle diffusion coefficient. This asymptotic value of the aerosol mean residence time can be predicted using the ADE in conjunction with a simple estimation model proposed here. If the fluid velocity is constant within the tube (uniform or plug flow), the mean particle axial velocity is everywhere equal to the fluid velocity, and particles and fluid spend the same time to traverse the tube. The larger the departure of the fluid velocity profile from uniformity, the larger the difference of mean axial velocity and mean residence time between particles and fluid.

Exploring transverse particle motion in rotary drums: DEM analysis of the influence of cross-shaped internals on material transport

This study investigates the impact of lifters and cross-shaped internals on the transversal movement of wooden spheres within rotary drums. Utilizing Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, the research evaluates the influence of these internal configurations on evolving bulk porosity, particle trajectories and residence time of particles in the central area of the drum. The study analyzes three distinct internal geometries and the influences of parameters such as drum rotational speed, drum fill level, and particle water content. Analysis of the simulation results shows that the mean bulk porosity increases by 4% for a single internal cross and by 7% for four internal crosses compared to a configuration without internals. Additionally, it is observed that the residence time for particles in the center of the drum increases by an average of 2.5 times for a single internal cross and 5.5 times for four internal crosses compared to a configuration without internals.