CFD-DEM simulations of wet particles fluidization with a new evolution model for liquid bridge

A new model for liquid-bridge evolution with consideration of particle dynamics, is proposed to improve Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) simulations of wet particles fluidization under high liquid loading and viscosity. A liquid bridge is allowed to form and remains stable only when the normal relative velocity of two particles is lower than a critical value v(nc). A large v(nc) leads to an increase of liquid-bridge or cohesive force. The model can be reduced to the conventional liquid-bridge model in literature when v(nc) = 0 or infinity. With the new model, the prediction of bubble properties including bubble center, aspect ratio, and volume agrees well with the experimental data in literature. In particular, under high liquid loading, bubble disintegration due to particle agglomerating is reasonably captured. The simulations demonstrate the advantage of the new model that can extend the liquid-bridge models and CFD-DEM for high liquid loading and viscosity.

Automated summary

A new model for liquid-bridge evolution with consideration of particle dynamics is proposed to improve CFD-DEM simulations of wet particles fluidization under high liquid loading and viscosity. The model accurately predicts bubble properties and captures bubble disintegration due to particle agglomeration under high liquid loading.