A comparative study of lattice Boltzmann models for particle deposition processes with the formation of fouling layers
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In this work, we compare and improve some Eulerian methods for particle deposition onto surfaces. The main objective of this research, is to build realistic numerical methods for the growth of fouling layers turbulent pipe flows and heat exchangers, which is of great interest for industrial applications in petroleum engineering. In the Eulerian approach, we solve the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a set of conservation laws for the particle densities and velocities. We also introduce some improved mechanisms for the particle fluxes on solid surfaces for generic geometries. Due to the limitation of most Eulerian methods in considering particles of variable size, we also investigate the numerical feasibility of some models that include simultaneous growth, nucleation, aggregation and particle breakage for the particular case of pipe flows. All of the discussed methods are solved under the framework of the lattice Boltzmann method. Whenever possible, the simulations are compared with experimental results.
