An unresolved CFD-DEM method for studying migration and clogging of fine particles through a packed bed

ABSTRACT

Industrial production frequently experiences clogging of fines in a packed bed, which is also a long-term challenge. To investigate the flow of fines and comprehend the migration and clogging of fines, an unresolved CFD-DEM model was created in this paper. The effects of key variables are examined. It was demonstrated that the clogging mechanism of fins at various diameter ratios was different, and the larger diameter of fines, the more obvious the clogging. The number of inlet particles determines the occurrence of clogging. Fines are more inclined to form stagnant structures in the same place. One key element influencing clogging is the rolling friction coefficient, which regulates particle motion. The quantity of small particles that cause blockages likewise rises as the rolling friction coefficient does. The research enables the knowledge and optimization of industrial production by offering a basic understanding of the blocking behaviour of fines in packed beds.

KEYWORDS:

• Unresolved CFD-DEM
• fine particles
• fines migration
• clogging behaviour
• numerical simulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province, China [grant number 2022NSFSC0343] and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 11604029].