Simulation of Bridging at the Static Surface Filtration by CFD-DEM Coupling

Abstract

To achieve a better understanding of the bridging mechanism at the static surface filtration, simulations of particle deposition at a three-dimensional pore model of a filter were performed. The simulations are used to investigate the total filter resistance, which results from interferences between filter medium, particles and fluid. Thereby a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) method for flow simulation was coupled with a Discrete Element Method (DEM) which calculates the particle interactions. The results show that a built particle bridge influences the flow through an unclosed pore. It was concluded that bridging of open pores is hindered at high velocities of approach caused by increasing percentage of closed pores. Moreover, it could be shown, that the total filter resistance depends on the approaching velocity and shape of particles.