A Three-Dimensional Simulation of Particle Distribution in a Separator and Structure Optimization with the Statistical Approach of Taguchi Method

Abstract

A three-dimensional numerical simulation combining discrete phase method (DPM) and porous media based on the theory of Euler-Lagrange has been employed to investigate particles distribution in a separator. The DPM model is applied to monitor the movement of individual particles and calculate the contact force between them in the separator. The simulation results display the migration feature of dust particles over time and the distribution of particles on the surface element in porous region and reveal that the flow field influences the distribution uniformity of the particles in porous area directly. Based on the analysis, the structure of separator is optimized by the Taguchi method. An orthogonal relation motion has been established. The optimal solution is achieved by the calculation of the weight relationship. The calculated optimal structure is evaluated by the signal to noise (SNR). The result reveals that the values of SNR in case are eligible. As a result, the research of the separator points out a useful and improvable method for the parameter optimization of structure design.