Advanced Powder Technology, Vol.27, No.1, 42-52, 2016
Effects of fluid flow split on black powder distribution in pipe junctions
In this study, CFD is used to investigate an important local phenomenon when populations of particles are split within junctions of gas piping networks. The particle-laden turbulent flow is studied using the k-epsilon turbulence model and the Discrete Phase Model DPM. The phase split is obtained for different working conditions including the effect of the particle diameter, the angle and the orientation of the branch. Particular attention is given to the effects of the flow rate of the gaseous phase when imposed at the outlets of the junction to replicate the flow control in real installations using valves. The fluid flow split yields different flow rate fractions in the two sides of the junctions which generates complex flow topologies affecting the solids split remarkably. The straight prolongation of the main pipe is called the main while the other side of the junction is the branch with different angles and orientations. Under extreme cases of fluid flow split, vortices form at the entrance of the main and alter the trend of solids split remarkably. In addition, large particles undergo a slight settling affecting their spatial distribution upstream of the junction which adds a degree of complexity to the solids split. (C) 2015 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.