An improved DSMC method for acoustic agglomeration of solid particles assisted by spray droplets

The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method was improved for describing the process of acoustic agglomeration assisted by spray droplets. The agglomeration and rebound as consequences of inter-particle collisions were modeled by considering all possible particle types, in particular, mixed-phase particles associated with the immersion and distribution mechanisms. Numerical predictions by the present method were validated by both analytical solutions and experimental data. The dynamic process of the acoustic agglomeration in terms of the size and type evolution as well as the evolution of number concentration of different particle types were examined. Results suggest that the strong interaction between the solid particles and the spray droplets causes the significant enhancement of acoustic agglomeration. Furthermore, the effect of frequency varying from audible to ultrasonic range on the acoustic agglomeration was evaluated. Overall, a better performance of acoustic agglomeration can be achieved at a lower frequency, regardless of addition of spray droplets. Agglomeration efficiency of 64.8 % can be achieve at acoustic frequency of 1000 Hz in case with spray droplets. This study provides not only a numerical model for describing the agglomeration of complex particles in particle-laden gas flows, but also important insights into the acoustic agglomeration assisted by spray droplets.