NUMERICAL STUDY OF PRESSURE GRADIENTS OF A LAMINAR INCOMPRESSIBLE FLUID FLOW WITH PARTICLES BETWEEN TWO PARALLEL PLATES (#1391)

Authors

Amaya, Carlos

Marín, Julio

Ayala, Orlando Manuel

Ayala, Orlando Felipe

Abstract

Particle transport plays a crucial role in industries such as mining, oil and gas, chemicals, and food processing, often leading to two-phase flows. This study investigates pressure gradients in a two-dimensional, laminar, incompressible flow with suspended particles between parallel plates, modeled using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 and the finite element method. The fluid phase is water, and fluid-particle interactions are modeled through bidirectional coupling in a time-dependent framework. Key parameters examined include volume fraction (αpαp​), relative particle size (RSp), Stokes number (St), and particle release position. Results reveal three distinct flow zones: (1) an acceleration zone, where the pressure difference increases to a peak, (2) a transition zone, where it declines, and (3) a stabilization zone, where it becomes negligible. Higher volumetric particle flow rates significantly impact pressure gradients, while a decrease in relative particle size leads to a greater concentration of smaller, denser particles, showing an inverse proportionality effect. Larger Stokes numbers result in greater particle independence from the fluid, delaying pressure gradient stabilization. Particle release position strongly influences results, with the highest impact occurring at the center. Notably, the sum of pressure differences from center and edge releases approximates that of a uniform inlet release. These findings provide insights into fluid-particle interactions in laminar regimes, enhancing the understanding of pressure gradient behavior under varying conditions, with relevant industrial applications.