Numerical Simulations of Gas-Liquid-Solid Flows in a Hydrocyclone Separator

Author(s):  
S. M. Musavian ◽  
A. F. Najafi

The flow behavior in hydrocyclones is quite complex. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method was used to simulate the flow fields inside a hydrocyclone in order to improve its separation efficiency. In the computational fluid dynamics study of hydrocyclones, the air-core dimension is a key to predicting the mass split between the underflow and overflow. In turn, the mass split influences the prediction of the size classification curve. Three models, the k–e model, the Reynolds stress model without considering air core and Reynolds stress turbulence model with VOF multiphase model for simulating aircore, were compared for the predictions of velocity, axial and tangential velocity distributions and separation proportion. The RSM with aircore simulation model, since it produces some detailed features of the turbulence and multi phase, is clearly closer in predicting the experimental data than the other two.

2009 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Mousavian ◽  
M. Ahmadvand ◽  
A. F. Najafi

The flow behavior in hydrocyclones is quite complex. The computational fluid dynamics method was used to simulate the flow fields inside a hydrocyclone in order to investigate its separation efficiency. In the computational fluid dynamics study of hydrocyclones, the air-core dimension is a key to predicting the mass split between the underflow and overflow. In turn, the mass split influences the prediction of the size classification curve. Generally in hydrocyclone simulations, assuming low particle volume fractions, the discrete phase effects on the continuous phase have been excluded; therefore, one-way coupling method has been used. Due to high particle consistencies, regions in some cases, especially in underflow areas, excluding discrete phase effects on continuous phase may be ineligible. In this study for an example case by consisting discrete phase effects and using two-way coupling method, simulation accuracy noticeably has been improved. Three models, the k−ε model, the Reynolds stress model (RSM) without considering air core, and Reynolds stress turbulence model with volume of fluid multiphase model for simulating air core, were compared for the predictions of velocity, axial, and tangential velocity distributions and separation proportion. Results by the RSM with air-core simulation and two-way coupling model, since it produces some detailed features of the turbulence and discrete phase mode effects, are clearly closer in predicting the experimental data than the other two.


2006 ◽  
Vol 530-531 ◽  
pp. 376-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Gustavo Martins Vieira ◽  
João Jorge Ribeiro Damasceno ◽  
Marcos A.S. Barrozo

Hydrocyclones are centrifugal devices employed on the solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separation. The operation and building of these devices are relatively simple, however the flow inside them is totally complex and its prediction is very difficult. The fluid moves on all possible directions (axial, radial and swirl), the effects of turbulence can not negligible and an air core along the center line of the hydrocyclone can appear when the operational conditions are favorable. For that reason, the most models that are used to predict the hydrocyclone performance are empirical and require the collection of the main operational and geometric variables in order to validate them. This work objectified to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) on Bradley Hydrocyclone and compare the results from this technique to empirical models. The numerical simulation was made in a computational code called Fluent® that solves the transport equation by finite volume technique. The turbulence was described by Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) and the liquid-gas interface was treated by Volume of Fluid Model (VOF). In agreement with the results from the simulation, it was possible to predict the internal profiles of velocity, pressure, air core, particle trajectories, efficiencies, pressure drop and underflow-to-throughput ratio.


2005 ◽  
Vol 498-499 ◽  
pp. 264-269
Author(s):  
Luiz Gustavo Martins Vieira ◽  
João Jorge Ribeiro Damasceno ◽  
Marcos A.S. Barrozo

Hydrocyclones are centrifugal devices employed on the solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separation. The operation and building of these devices are relatively simple, however the flow inside them is totally complex and its prediction is very difficult. The fluid moves on all possible directions (axial, radial and swirl), the effects of turbulence can not negligible and an air core along the center line of the hydrocyclone can appear when the operational conditions are favorable. For that reason, the most models that are used to predict the hydrocyclone performance are empirical and require the collection of the main operational and geometric variables in order to validate them. This work objectified to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) on Bradley Hydrocyclone and compare the results from this technique to empirical models. The numerical simulation was made in a computational code called Fluent® that solves the transport equation by finite volume technique. The turbulence was described by Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) and the liquid-gas interface was treated by Volume of Fluid Model (VOF). In agreement with the results from the simulation, it was possible to predict the internal profiles of velocity, pressure, air core, particle trajectories, efficiencies, pressure drop and underflow-to-throughput ratio.


Author(s):  
Paulo Roberto Campos Castro Filho ◽  
Aderjane Ferreira Lacerda ◽  
Reimar de Oliveira Lourenço

Objetiva-se avaliar o comportamento fluidodinâmico de ciclones através do uso de técnicas numéricas utilizadas em CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Utilizou-se como variáveis de entrada dados experimentais conhecidos. Adotou-se os seguintes modelos de turbulência para compará-los entre si:modelo k-ε; modelo RSM (Reynolds Stress Model). O fluido utilizado nas simulações foi o ar e as partículas adicionadas foram de carbonato de cálcio (CaCo3). Os parâmetros estudados foram queda de pressão,  perfis de velocidade e a eficiência de coleta do ciclone. O modelo de turbulência adotado que apresentou melhores resultados foi o RSM. A queda de pressão para o RSM foi da ordem 868,6 Pa e para o k-ɛ de 758 Pa, para o modelo misto (k-ɛ/ RSM) de 836 Pa e para os resultados experimentais realizados por Patterson e Munz de 1100 Pa. Os perfis de distribuição de velocidade (tangencial, axial e radial) e de pressão apresentaram boa concordância com os dados da literatura, maiores velocidades encontram-se entre a parede do equipamento e seu eixo de simetria. Para os perfis de pressão, eles apresentaram maiores pressões nas paredes e menores próximas ao eixo. Utilizou-se o modelo de distribuição de Rosin- Rammler para avaliar a eficiência de coleta do ciclone, observando-se que, para partículas de diâmetro superior ao Diâmetro de Corte das Partículas (dpc) do equipamento, a eficiência tende a ser superior a 50%, aumentando à medida que estes aumentam, e para diâmetros inferiores, inferior a 50%. A utilização das técnicas de CFD para caracterização do escoamento gasoso em ciclones permitiu obter resultados bastante coerentes quando comparados com dados experimentais da literatura.Palavras-chave: Ciclones. Separação gás-sólido. CFD.STUDY OF CYCLONE FLUID DYNAMIC BEHAVIORAbstract: The objective is to evaluate the fluid dynamic behavior of cyclones through the use of numerical techniques used in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). It is used as input variables known experimental data. We adopted the following turbulence models to compare them to each other: k-ε model; model RSM (Reynolds Stress Model). The fluid used in the simulations was the air and the particles added were calcium carbonate (CaCo3). The parameters studied were pressure drop, velocity profiles and the collection efficiency of the cyclone. The turbulence model adopted that showed the best results was the RSM. The pressure drop for the RSM was approximately 868.6 Pa and the k-ɛ of 758 Pa for the mixed model (k-ɛ / RSM) to 836 Pa and the experimental results performed by Patterson and Munz 1100 Pa. distribution profiles of velocity (tangential, axial and radial) and pressure were in good agreement with the literature data, higher speeds lying between the wall of the equipment and the symmetry axis thereof, the pressure profiles for the they showed higher pressures and lower walls near the axis. We used the model Rosin-Rammler distribution to evaluate the collection efficiency of the cyclone, observing that for particles of diameter greater than the cutting diameter (dpc) equipment efficiency tends to be higher than 50%, increasing as these increases, and smaller diameters of less than 50%. In general, the use of CFD techniques for characterizing the gas flow in cyclone yielded fairly consistent results when compared to experimental data in the literature.Keywords: Cyclones. Gas-solid separation. CFD.ESTUDIO DEL COMPORTAMIENTO FLUIDODINÁMICO DE LOS CICLONESResumen: El objetivo es evaluar el comportamiento dinámico de fluido de los ciclones a través del uso de técnicas numéricas utilizadas en CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Se utiliza como variables de entrada los datos experimentales conocidos. Hemos adoptado los siguientes modelos de turbulencia para compararlos entre sí: k-ε modelo, modelo RSM (Modelo Reynolds Stress). El fluido utilizado en las simulaciones era el aire y las partículas añadidas fueron de carbonato de calcio (CaCo3). Los parámetros estudiados fueron la caída de presión, velocidad y perfiles de la eficiencia de recogida del ciclón. El modelo de turbulencia adoptado, y que mostró los mejores resultados fue la RSM. La caída de presión para el RSM fue de aproximadamente 868,6 Pay el k-ɛ de 758 Pa para el modelo mixto (k-ɛ / RSM) a 836 Pa y los resultados experimentales realizados por Patterson y Munz 1100 Pa. Los perfiles de distribución de velocidad (tangencial, radial y axial) y la presión estuvieron en buen acuerdo con los datos de la literatura, velocidades más altas situadas entre la pared del equipo y el eje de simetría de los mismos, los perfiles de presión para la mostraron altas presiones y bajas paredes cerca del eje. Se utilizó el modelo de distribución de Rosin-Rammler para evaluar la eficacia de recogida del ciclón, la observación de que para las partículas de diámetro mayor que el diámetro de corte (dpc) la eficiencia del equipo tiende a ser mayor que 50%, aumentando también cuando ellos aumentan y para diámetros más pequeños, de menos de 50%. En general, el uso de técnicas de CFD para la caracterización del flujo de gas en el ciclón dió resultados bastante consistentes cuando se compara con los datos experimentales en la literatura.Palabras clave: Ciclones. Separación gas-sólido. CFD.


1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia R. Stovin ◽  
Adrian J. Saul ◽  
Andrew Drinkwater ◽  
Ian Clifforde

The use of computational fluid dynamics-based techniques for predicting the gross solids and finely suspended solids separation performance of structures within urban drainage systems is becoming well established. This paper compares the result of simulated flow patterns and gross solids separation predictions with field measurements made in a full size storage chamber. The gross solids retention efficiency was measured for six different storage chambers in the field and simulations of these chambers were undertaken using the Fluent computational fluid dynamics software. Differences between the observed and simulated flow patterns are discussed. The simulated flow fields were used to estimate chamber efficiency using particle tracking. Efficiency results are presented as efficiency cusps, with efficiency plotted as a function of settling velocity. The cusp represents a range of efficiency values, and approaches to the estimation of an overall efficiency value from these cusps are briefly discussed. Estimates of total efficiency based on the observed settling velocity distribution differed from the measured values by an average of ±17%. However, estimates of steady flow efficiency were consistently higher than the observed values. The simulated efficiencies agreed with the field observations in identifying the most efficient configuration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulistiya Sulistiya ◽  
Alief Sadlie Kasman

AbstractNumerical simulation using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method is one way of predicting airflow characteristics on the model. This method is widely used because it is relatively inexpensive and faster in getting desired results compared with performing direct testing. The correctness of a computational simulation output is highly dependent on the input and how it was processed. In this paper, simulation is done on Onera M6 Wing, to investigate the effect of a turbulence model’s application on the accuracy of the computational result. The choice of Onera M6 Wing as a simulation’s model is due to its extensive database of testing results from various wind tunnels in the world. Among Turbulence models used are Spalart-Allmaras, K-Epsilon, K-Omega, and SST.Keywords: CFD, fluent, Model, Turbulence, Onera M6, Spalart-Allmaras, K-Epsilon, K-Omega, SST.AbstraksSimulasi numerik dengan menggunakan metode Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) merupakan salah satu cara untuk memprediksi karakteristik suatu aliran udara yang terjadi pada model. Metode ini banyak digunakan karena sifatnya yang relatif murah dan cepat untuk mendapatkan hasil dibandingkan dengan melakukan pengujian langsung. Benar tidak hasil sebuah simulasi komputasi sangat tergantung pada inputan yang diberikan serta cara memproses data inputan tersebut. Pada tulisan ini dilakukan simulasi dengan menggunakan sayap onera M6 dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan model turbulensi terhadap keakuratan hasil komputasi. Pilihan sayap onera M6 sebagai model simulasi dikarenakan model tersebut sudah memiliki database hasil pengujian yang cukup lengkap dan sudah divalidasi dari berbagai terowongan angin di dunia. Model turbulensi yang digunakan diantaranya Spalart-Allmaras, K-Epsilon, K-Omega dan SST.Kata Kunci : CFD, fluent, Model, Turbulensi, Onera M6, Spalart-Allmaras, K-Epsilon, K-Omega, SST.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2053 (1) ◽  
pp. 012013
Author(s):  
N. Abdul Settar ◽  
S. Sarip ◽  
H.M. Kaidi

Abstract Wells turbine is an important component in the oscillating water column (OWC) system. Thus, many researchers tend to improve the performance via experiment or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, which is cheaper. As the CFD method becomes more popular, the lack of evidence to support the parameters used during the CFD simulation becomes a big issue. This paper aims to review the CFD models applied to the Wells turbine for the OWC system. Journal papers from the past ten years were summarized in brief critique. As a summary, the FLUENT and CFX software are mostly used to simulate the Wells turbine flow problems while SST k-ω turbulence model is the widely used model. A grid independence test is essential when doing CFD simulation. In conclusion, this review paper can show the research gap for CFD simulation and can reduce the time in selecting suitable parameters when involving simulation in the Wells turbine.


2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Zubair ◽  
Vizy Nazira Riazuddin ◽  
Mohammed Zulkifly Abdullah ◽  
Rushdan Ismail ◽  
Ibrahim Lutfi Shuaib ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: It is of clinical importance to examine the nasal cavity pre-operatively on surgical treatments. However, there is no simple and easy way to measure airflow in the nasal cavity. Objectives: Visualize the flow features inside the nasal cavity using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, and study the effect of different breathing rates on nasal function. Method: A three-dimensional nasal cavity model was reconstructed based on computed tomographic images of a healthy Malaysian adult nose. Navier-Stokes and continuity equations for steady airflow were solved numerically to examine the inspiratory nasal flow. Results: The flow resistance obtained varied from 0.026 to 0.124 Pa.s/mL at flow-rate from 7.5 L/min to 40 L/min. Flow rates by breathing had significant influence on airflow velocity and wall shear-stress in the vestibule and nasal valve region. Conclusion: Airflow simulations based on CFD is most useful for better understanding of flow phenomenon inside the nasal cavity.


2005 ◽  
Vol 498-499 ◽  
pp. 179-185
Author(s):  
A.F. Lacerda ◽  
Luiz Gustavo Martins Vieira ◽  
A.M. Nascimento ◽  
S.D. Nascimento ◽  
João Jorge Ribeiro Damasceno ◽  
...  

A two-dimensional fluidynamics model for turbulent flow of gas in cyclones is used to evaluate the importance of the anisotropic of the Reynolds stress components. This study presents consisted in to simulate through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package the operation of the Lapple cyclone. Yields of velocity obtained starting from a model anisotropic of the Reynolds stress are compared with experimental data of the literature, as form of validating the results obtained through the use of the Computational fluid dynamics (Fluent). The experimental data of the axial and swirl velocities validate numeric results obtained by the model.


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