Stokes Number Effects on Deposition in Particle‐Laden Turbulent Pipe Flows

Abstract

The ability to predict particle dispersion, interaction, and deposition in turbulent pipes is of value in improving the transport and process efficiency of high concentration particulate flows. In this work, the settling and deposition behavior of suspensions of dense particles in a cylindrical pipe has been studied using direct numerical simulation coupled with Lagrangian particle tracking, with the influence of Stokes number on deposition behavior examined. From the analysis performed, it can be concluded that particle deposition is sensitive to Stokes number. In particular, the dispersion function and mean vertical displacement of the particles are demonstrated to decrease considerably faster with time at the higher Stokes number. Particle migration towards the lower wall regions of the pipe also shows the formation of a solid bed of these particles, whilst over the same time period only dune-like structures are produced at the lower Stokes number. Further analysis of the particle dynamics confirms these findings and generates insight into the particle dynamics within the deposition regions.

Numerical simulation of the agglomeration behaviour of spheroidal particles in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence

“…Later, in their pipe-based transportation to safer interim storage locations, the turbulent flow can augment the agglomeration process via increased collision frequency. This poses a potential risk, since larger particles are more likely to deposit on the wall or restrict the flow (Wolde et al 2023), potentially leading to pipe blockages which are expensive to rectify. Also of interest is the reduced pumping efficiency which incurs an indirect cost.…”