An adhesive CFD‐DEM model for simulating nanoparticle agglomerate fluidization

Journal article (2016)

Authors

D. Liu ChemE/Product and Process Engineering - AS , Southeast University
Berend G.M. van Wachem Imperial College London
R.F. Mudde ChemE/Transport Phenomena - AS
Xiaoping Chen Southeast University
J.R. van Ommen ChemE/Product and Process Engineering - AS
Research Group
ChemE/Transport Phenomena (AS) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2016

Language

English

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

ChemE/Chemical Engineering

Research Group

ChemE/Transport Phenomena

Abstract

Nanoparticles are fluidized as agglomerates with hierarchical fractal structures. In this study, we model nanoparticle fluidization by assuming the simple agglomerates as the discrete element in an adhesive (Computational Fluid Dynamics—Discrete Element Modelling) CFD-DEM model. The simple agglomerates, which are the building blocks of the larger complex agglomerates, are represented by cohesive and plastic particles. It is shown that both the particle contact model and drag force interaction in the conventional CFD-DEM model need modification for properly simulating a fluidized bed of nanoparticle agglomerates. The model is tested for different cases, including the normal impact, angle of repose (AOR), and fluidization of nanoparticle agglomerates, represented by the particles with the equivalent material properties. It shows that increasing the particle adhesion increases the critical stick velocity, angle of repose, and leads from uniform fluidization to defluidization. The particle adhesion, bulk properties, and fluidization can be linked to each other by the current adhesive CFD-DEM model.