Experimental validation of k–ε RANS-CFD on a high-pressure homogenizer valve

Since the emulsification in the High-Pressure Homogenizer (HPH) is controlled by hydrodynamic forces, the turbulent flow field in the valve region is of significant interest. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations have been used for this in many studies. However, there are reasons to question if the utilized turbulence models, with their inherent assumptions and simplifications, could accurately describe the influential aspects of the flow.This study compares CFD simulations using the methods from previous studies with experimental measurements in a model HPH valve. The results show that the region upstream of the gap can be described accurately regardless of turbulence model and that the gap region can be captured by using one of the more refined k−ε models. None of the studied turbulence models were able to describe the details of the highly turbulent region downstream of the gap. The obtained results are also discussed in relation to generalizability and limitations in using CFD simulations for understanding the emulsification in the HPH.

► A high-pressure homogenizer is investigated using RANS k–ε CFD.
► Obtained velocities and turbulence is compared to experimental measurements.
► The flow upstream of the gap is well described by the CFD simulations.
► The flow in the gap can be described using the right k−ε turbulence model.
► None of the investigated models describe the flow downstream of the gap.