Influence of electrostatic charges and solid-mass loading on particle dynamics in duct flows*

The modulation of particle-laden flows through electrostatic forces is utilized in various industrial applications, for example powder coating and electrostatic precipitation. However, excessive charge accumulation also results in the formation of deposits on component surfaces and spark discharges which may lead to dust explosions. In order to elucidate the dynamics of charged particles, we performed large-eddy simulations of a fully-developed turbulent gas flow (Re = 10 000) through a generic squared-shaped duct. The flow was seeded by charged monodisperse particles. In our talk we will discuss the influence of the solid-mass loading and the electrostatic charges carried by the particles on the particle concentration over the duct’s cross section. Electrostatic charges of 0 pC, 0.125 pC and 0.25 pC were assigned to the particles whereas solid-gas mass loading ratios between 0.01 and 0.04 were considered. Based on our previous findings we expect an increase of each of these parameters to counteract the turbophoretic drift and smoothen the particle concentration profiles.