Discrete Element Method and Continuum Modeling Simulation and Observation of Particle Behavior on a Cyclone Collector

Abstract

In order to replicate the particle behavior and to predict the pressure drop and collection efficiency of a cyclone collector, observation of the granulated-sugar particle behavior using transparent cyclone collector and the numerical simulation by discrete element method coupled with computational fluid dynamics （DEM-CFD） were made. Comparing the observed particle behavior and the pressure drop to the results calculated by DEM-CFD analysis, DEM-CFD results are well reproducing those of observed results. Moreover, to compare the DEM-CFD results and the results calculated by general continuum modeling for the multiphase analysis, numerical simulation by Euler-Granular was also performed. Result from Euler-Granular analysis shows that particles spread wider than that of DEM-CFD, in the meantime particles flow adjacent to the inner wall of cyclone at observed and DEM-CFD results. These comparisons indicate that DEM-CFD has an advantage in analysis of cyclone collector.