Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of liquid aerosol coalescing filters

•A novel CFD model for liquid aerosol filters.•Validation agrees well with existing (empirical/analytical) theory.•Comprehensive treatment of nanoparticle simulation using a Lagrangian approach.•Pressure drop, saturation, kinetics and efficiency of filter can be resolved.

This work presents a new computational fluid dynamics model, developed to simulate the behaviour of fibrous filters used to treat liquid aerosols. We demonstrate that the solver can resolve the fundamental processes that occur in coalescing filters, such as aerosol droplet capture, coalescence, film break-up, and the motion of coalesced liquid droplets. Initial simulations were conducted on idealised geometries to ensure agreement between the simulations and existing theory, before simulations on more complex geometries were carried out, and finally simulations on realistic filter geometries. It is demonstrated that CFD can provide a viable alternative to whole-scale mist filter testing, particularly if high performance computational resources are available. Additionally, the paper includes a comprehensive treatment of the issues to be overcome when using Lagrangian methods to simulate nano-sized aerosols.

Graphical abstractNew CFD model allows highly accurate simulations of liquid aerosol dynamics and capture.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (242 K)Download as PowerPoint slide