Numerical simulation of the particle-wall collision strength and swirling effect on the performance of the axial flow cyclone separator

Yanqin Mao; Wenhao Pu; Liang Cai; Chaojie Li; Xiaoyue Wang; Zhixing Zhan

doi:10.1515/ijcre-2020-0225

Article

Numerical simulation of the particle-wall collision strength and swirling effect on the performance of the axial flow cyclone separator

Yanqin Mao , Wenhao Pu , Liang Cai , Chaojie Li , Xiaoyue Wang and Zhixing Zhan

Published/Copyright: July 21, 2021

Published by

Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Submit Manuscript Author Information

From the journal International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering Volume 19 Issue 10

Abstract

The axial cyclone separator has simple structure, operates to reducing dust concentration in grain storehouses, and features low production cost, and convenient installation. Aiming to obtain the separation characteristics of an axial flow guide separator, the particle wall collision and the performance of multi-tubes were simulated with Fluent. The renormalization group (RNG) k − ε model was used to study the turbulent modeling and the user define function (UDF) was used to calculate the particle-wall collision. The simulation and experimental results were compared to verify the computation model. The results showed that the basic feature of the flow pattern remains stable and the separation efficiency of 800 kg/m³ particles is higher than 2650 kg/m³ particles when the inlet velocity increases from 2 to 5 m/s. When the inlet velocity was 5 m/s, the normal velocity restitution ratio had a significant effect on the efficiency, the separation efficiency of 167 μm particles changed from 76.74 to 97.93% and a smaller normal velocity restitution ratio had a higher the efficiency. In comparison, the efficiency remained unchanged when changing the tangential velocity restitution ratio. Furthermore, the effects of three target wall materials on the separation efficiency were investigated. And the simulated efficiency the of 296 μm particle of 2024 aluminum, 410 stainless steel and Ga1–4V titanium were 82.15, 79.52 and 77.53% respectively. Besides, effects of tube diameter on performances of cyclone separator were discussed and high intense collisions between particles and walls may occur in a small diameter of cyclone tube, causing deteriorated separation performance. Moreover, with the addition of the dust chamber, the efficiency of cyclone used in combination is slightly improved since the vortex in the exhaust pipe has been finely changed.

Keywords: computational fluid dynamics; cyclone separator; particles; separation efficiency; velocity restitution ratio

Corresponding author: Liang Cai, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China, E-mail: 101008806@seu.edu.cn

Funding source: National Key Research and Development Program of China 10.13039/501100012166

Award Identifier / Grant number: 6303001061

Funding source: Foundation of Southeast of University

Award Identifier / Grant number: 3203002105C3 104.205.2.5

Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
Research funding: The authors acknowledge financial support from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (6303001061) and the Foundation of Southeast of University (3203002105C3 104.205.2.5).
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.

References

Azadi, M., M. Azadi, and A. Mohebbi. 2010. “A CFD Study of the Effect of Cyclone Size on its Performance Parameters.” Journal of Hazardous Materials 182 (1–3): 835–41, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.06.115.Search in Google Scholar

Bojdo, N., and A. Filippone. 2014. “Comparative Study of Helicopter Engine Particle Separators.” Journal of Aircraft 51 (3): 1030–42, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C032322.Search in Google Scholar

Brunazzi, E., A. Paglianti, and A. Talamelli. 2003. “Simplified Design of Axial-Flow Cyclone Mist Eliminators.” AIChE Journal 49 (1): 41–51, https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690490106.Search in Google Scholar

Delimont, J. M., M. K. Murdock, W. F. Ng, and S. V. Ekkad. 2015. “Effect of Temperature on Microparticle Rebound Characteristics at Constant Impact Velocity—Part I.” Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines & Power 137 (11): 112603.10.1115/1.4030312Search in Google Scholar

Deng, Y., L. Zhang, and H. Hou. 2019. “Modeling and Simulation of the Gas–Liquid Separation Process in an Axial Flow Cyclone Based on the Eulerian–Lagrangian Approach and Surface Film Model.” Powder Technology 353: 473–88, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2019.05.039.Search in Google Scholar

Fang, D., M. Wang, and Y. Duan. 2020. “Full-Scale Numerical Study on the Flow Characteristics and Mal-Distribution Phenomena in SG Steam-Water Separation System of an Advanced PWR.” Progress in Nuclear Energy 118: 103075, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2019.103075.Search in Google Scholar

Hamed, A., W. C. Tabakoff, and R. V. Wenglarz. 2006. “Erosion and Deposition in Turbomachinery.” Journal of Propulsion and Power 22 (2): 350–60.10.2514/1.18462Search in Google Scholar

Kaya, F., and I. Karagoz. 2012. “Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Pressure Drop Coefficient and Static Pressure Difference in a Tangential Inlet Cyclone Separator.” Chemical Papers 66 (11): 1019–25, https://doi.org/10.2478/s11696-012-0214-7.Search in Google Scholar

Li, Y., and F. Wang. 2007. “Numerical Investigation of Performance of an Axial-Flow Pump with Inducer.” Journal of Hydrodynamics 19 (6): 705–11, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1001-6058(08)60007-4.Search in Google Scholar

Li, J. J., Y. L. Qian, and J. L. Yin. 2018. “Large Eddy Simulation of Unsteady Flow in Gas–Liquid Separator Applied in Thorium Molten Salt Reactor.” Nuclear Science and Techniques 29 (5): 62, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41365-018-0411-3.Search in Google Scholar

Liu, L., and B. Bai. 2016. “Scaling Laws for Gas–Liquid Flow in Swirl Vane Separators.” Nuclear Engineering and Design 298: 229–39, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2016.01.001.Search in Google Scholar

Liu, L., and B. F. Bai. 2017. “Numerical Study on Swirling Flow and Separation Performance of Swirl Vane Separator.” Interfacial Phenomena and Heat Transfer 5 (1): 9–21, https://doi.org/10.1615/InterfacPhenomHeatTransfer.2018021108.Search in Google Scholar

Luan, Y., and H. Sun. 2015. “Experimental and Numerical Study on the Resistance Performance of an Axial Flow Cyclone Separator.” Mathematical Problems in Engineering 2015: 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/384524.Search in Google Scholar

Matsubayashi, T., K. Katono, and K. Hayashi. 2012. “Effects of Swirler Shape on Swirling Annular Flow in a Gas–Liquid Separator.” Nuclear Engineering and Design 249: 63–70, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2011.05.036.Search in Google Scholar

Mao, Y., W. Pu, and H. Zhang. 2019. “Orthogonal Experimental Design of an Axial Flow Cyclone Separator.” Chemical Engineering and Processing-Process Intensification 144: 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2019.107645.Search in Google Scholar

Morsi, S. A. J., and A. J. Alexander. 1972. “An Investigation of Particle Trajectories in Two-phase Flow Systems.” Journal of Fluid Mechanics 55 (2): 193–208, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112072001806.Search in Google Scholar

Soe, T. M., and S. Y. Khaing. 2017. “Comparison of Turbulence Models for Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Wind Flow on Cluster of Buildings in Mandalay.” International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications 7 (8): 337–50.Search in Google Scholar

Sparrow, E. M., N. T. Littlejohn, and J. M. Gorman. 2013. “Mass Transfer and Particle Separation by Swirl-Chamber and Swirl-Tube Devices.” Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A: Applications 64 (8): 611–20, https://doi.org/10.1080/10407782.2013.790276.Search in Google Scholar

Sung, G., H. U. Kim, and D. Shin. 2018. “High Efficiency Axial Wet Cyclone Air Sampler.” Aerosol and Air Quality Research 18 (10): 2529–37, https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2017.12.0596.Search in Google Scholar

Tabakoff, W., G. Grant, and R. Ball. 1974. “An Experimental Investigation of Certain Aerodynamic Effects on Erosion,” in 8th Aerodynamic Testing Conference, Vol. 639. Bethesda: U.S.A. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.10.2514/6.1974-639Search in Google Scholar

Tarpagkou, R., and A. Pantokratoras. 2013. “CFD Methodology for Sedimentation Tanks: The Effect of Secondary Phase on Fluid Phase Using DPM Coupled Calculations.” Applied Mathematical Modelling 37 (5): 3478–94.10.1016/j.apm.2012.08.011Search in Google Scholar

Thobois, L., G. Rymer, and T. Souleres. 2005. “Large-Eddy Simulation for the Prediction of Aerodynamics in IC Engines.” International Journal of Vehicle Design 39 (4): 368–82, https://doi.org/10.1504/IJVD.2005.008468.Search in Google Scholar

Tsai, C. J., S. C. Chen, and R. Przekop. 2007. “Study of an Axial Flow Cyclone to Remove Nanoparticles in Vacuum.” Environmental Science & Technology 41 (5): 1689–95, https://doi.org/10.1021/es060518o.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Xiong, Z., M. Lu, and Y. Li. 2013. “Effects of the Slots on the Performance of Swirl-Vane Separator.” Nuclear Engineering and Design 265: 13–8, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2013.08.050.Search in Google Scholar

Xiong, Z., M. Lu, and M. Wang. 2014. “Study on Flow Pattern and Separation Performance of Air–Water Swirl-Vane Separator.” Annals of Nuclear Energy 63: 138–45, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2013.07.026.Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2020-11-08

Accepted: 2021-04-10

Published Online: 2021-07-21

You are currently not able to access this content.

Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2020-0225

Keywords for this article

computational fluid dynamics; cyclone separator; particles; separation efficiency; velocity restitution ratio