CFD-DEM Simulation for Distribution and Motion Feature of Crystal Particles in Centrifugal Pump

Abstract

In consideration of the particle features and behaviors, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-Discrete Element Method (DEM) coupled method has been applied to simulate the liquid-solid flows in the centrifugal pump with crystallization phenomenon. The crystal particles tend to distribute more uniformly in the inlet section and enter the impeller along the pressure sides of the blades with a moderate rise in velocity. Particle number density is different at different regions in the impeller passages with the characteristics of small density near suction sides and large density near pressure sides. In addition, large crystal particles are mainly located near the pressure sides and small crystal particles predominantly appear in the region near suction sides. The relative velocity magnitude of flow near the impeller inlet tends to be higher than that of crystal particles, while the velocities of the solid particles are substantially higher than liquid phase at the outlet.