Numerical study of deposition rates of monodisperse particles in curved pipes with different expansion or shrinkage variables

Abstract

The study of particle deposition in ventilation ducts is crucial as it can have a significant impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) and human health. However, little research has been done on bends in ducts with different cross-sections. This study employs the Eulerian - Lagrange method to investigate particle deposition in a 90 elbow with gradually increasing and decreasing cross-sectional areas. The turbulence model used is based on the RNG k-, and the particulate phase is modelled by the discrete phase model (DPM). The study aims to discuss the effect of the cross-sectional asymptotic coefficient (K) and the Stokes number on particle deposition. The study found that as K increased, the particle deposition efficiency of the 90-degree bends decreased. Additionally, particles were primarily deposited on the outer curved surface of the bends. Specifically, when the particle size was 2 m, the pipe with K=0.75 had a particle deposition efficiency five times greater than that of K=1.25.