Fluid Dynamic Modeling Of Fine Particle Separation In Hindered-Settling Bed Separators By CFD

In modeling of hindered-settling bed separators, the published separation mechanisms are based on differences of particle density and size distributions, without the details of complexity of particles-liquid interactions. A fluid dynamic model for the separator is developed using Euler-Lagrange approach of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Fluid motion is obtained from solving the movement of liquid governing equations. The damping effect on flow pat-terns caused by the movement of particles resulted in liquid-particle coupling is included in the model. Effects of particle size, and particle density compositions, feed rate, feed water flow rate, upward fluidizing water flow rate, etc., are simulated in the 2-D separation model. Flow pattern effects on the separation of fine particles in the separators with center downward-flow and side cross-flow feed systems are investigated.