Separation processes involving solid particles depend not only on the properties of the particles themselves but also on the surrounding gas flow. Local velocities, recirculation zones and turbulence influence particle trajectories and therefore the effectiveness of the separation.
FlowMotion used CFD to analyse the gas flow through a separation tank containing rubber particles. The continuous gas phase was calculated first, after which the motion of individual particles could be determined from the aerodynamic forces acting on them.
The particle trajectories depend on particle size, density, relative velocity and aerodynamic drag. The simulations therefore made it possible to determine which particles followed the gas flow and which were separated by gravity or inertia.
By comparing different geometries and operating conditions, the influence of the internal flow pattern on separation performance could be assessed and the tank design could be improved.
