A CFD-sectional algorithm for population balance equation coupled with multi-dimensional flow dynamics

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 362; pp. 111 - 125
• Main Authors: Shang, Xiaopeng, Wan, Man Pun, Ng, Bing Feng, Ding, Shirun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.02.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Acoustic agglomeration; acoustics; Agglomeration; Algorithms; Coagulation; Coalescence/agglomeration; Computational fluid dynamics; Computational fluid dynamics (CFD); Computer applications; Computer simulation; differential equation; Differential equations; Fluid dynamics; Hydrodynamics; Nonlinear equations; Partial differential equations; Particle size distribution; Population balance modeling; Population balance models; powders; prediction; Quadratures; Sectional method; Size distribution; Standing waves; Coalescence/agglomeration; Population balance modeling; Acoustic agglomeration; Computational fluid dynamics (CFD); Sectional method
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2019.11.084

A novel CFD-sectional algorithm is developed to address the challenges in the existing sectional simulations coupled with multi-dimensional fluid dynamics, including solution of complex sectional coefficients, serious computational burden for lots of coupled partial differential equations, and nonlinear source terms. The sectional coefficients are specified by a numerical quadrature with adaptive integration limits, which proves to be computationally efficient and accurate. The inter-equation coupling is treated by hybrid-segregated procedures and the source term is linearized by the operator splitting method. The CFD-sectional algorithm is validated against a self-preserving solution of particles undergoing Brownian coagulation. The acoustic agglomeration in a standing wave is simulated as a representative case. It has been demonstrated that the predictions regarding the particle size distribution and agglomeration process agree well with the experimental data, which verifies the capability of the developed CFD-sectional algorithm in simulating the spatially inhomogeneous population balance equation coupled with multi-dimensional flows. [Display omitted] •A new CFD-sectional algorithm of population balance modeling coupled with fluid flows•Sectional coefficients specified by an adaptive numerical integration scheme•Source terms decoupled by hybrid-segregated procedures with linearization•Validation by the self-preserving distribution of Brownian coagulation/agglomeration•Verification of the present algorithm's capability for acoustic agglomeration problem