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Review of Research Report

Original Project Title: Bagasse Fired Cyclone Combustor A Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation Based on Cylindrical Particle Model Adopted Project Title: A Finite Volume Numerical Simulation of Dispersed Flow in A Novel Cyclone Geometry Author: Ernest A Odhiambo Original Supervisor: Professor Chris J Lawn (Professor of Thermofluids) Queen Mary University of London Current Supervisor: Professor M J Chern National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Date: 2012/03/14

Introduction: This paper is a compilation of a cursory treatise on the past and recent progress on the subject matter, A Numerical Simulation of Dispersed Flow in a Novel Cyclone Geometry. All mention of the report and its accompanying data are a reference to the authors MPhil thesis, Research Report: ENG/COMB/20. This review is best read alongside the report. The original motivation of the current work was to numerically optimise the conventional Stairmand cyclone geometry, by applying dynamics that might lead to the increase in both the cyclones separation efficiency, and the particles residence time, while keeping the pressure drop within levels that are costeffective. The aim of all this, was to make the cyclone a suitable combustor for Bagasse, which is a solid fuel. A detailed characterisation of the fuel is contained in the report. As it turned out, due to time constraints, this objective was not realised, and was eventually revised downward, the focus becoming the study of the isothermal flow field in a forward step geometry and ultimately in the Stairmand and novel cyclone geometries. The step geometry, a study that has received widespread attention, was used to test the veracity and robustness of the various turbulence models provided by the computational fluid dynamics software especially in a swirling-flow environment. The computations were initially done on the commercially available FLUENT platform. More recent analyses, in which the tracking of the discrete phase was the highlight, have been performed by the open source code OpenFOAM. A brief description of the purpose of this paper is in order. The paper is essentially a structured

communication between the current project supervisor, Prof. M.J. Chern, who has graciously accented to offer guidance, and his student (herein referred to as the author). The content outlines the work that has been done thus far by the author. The upshot of this communication is to hopefully provide some insight into the feasibility of coadunation of some aspects of the previous work done by the author onto the proposal suggested by the supervisor. If there be any accolades, these will, deservedly, all go to the authors previous supervisor, Prof. Chris J. Lawn, without whose patience and consistent commitment, the whole exercise might have been a red herring. From the outset, a disclaimer would appear appropriate, in particular to dispel any notion that some of the postulations advanced in the report are anything other than mere conjecture. Indeed certain aspects of the analyses may not hold in the face of current experimental data, owing to the heavy reliance on untested mathematical approximations. A case in point is evident in section 4.5.7 of the report, which discusses the cylindrical particle burnout probability. It is instructive to note that the use of the original title was maintained throughout the project period perhaps with the hope of achieving the stated goals through experimental work. However, the title change seems fitting since the author has decidedly chosen the path of numerical analysis, albeit with the option of full participation in the experimental validation of any fundamental findings.

General Outcome of Literature Review: The report sets out a detailed literature review on the prevailing trends in biomass conversion before delving into the thermo-physicochemical attributes of Bagasse. The models for the cyclone chamber, flow,

particle motion and combustion are all lumped together in chapter 4. A rigorous expos of equations governing the flow and particle motion, as explained by Patankar (1980) among others is dealt with. The turbulence closure problem is given a sizeable coverage to facilitate the choice of the more efficient turbulence model. The strength of the various models was reported by Xia et al (1998), who used a backward-step geometry to test the effect of swirl on turbulent flows. A distinctive zone (see page 53) dubbed the central reverse zone (CeRZ) is captured by the differential Reynolds stress model (DRSM). Although this model was not applied in the previous work, it provided a bench mark for the research. However, the corner recirculation and central toroidal recirculation zones were observed when the Reynolds stress model was applied. This conformity with the available data served to justify the use of the computational software. The strongly swirling flow in the cyclone necessitated the validation exercise. The design model of the cyclone was done with the intention of creating a flow field that would enhance the separation of pulverised fuel particles (<50m) from the carrier phase ostensibly increasing the mean residence times. The flow field matched the available data especially along the axial direction, where the Rankine vortex model as reported by Ogawa (1984), was featured. Sizing of the cyclone combustor was done within operational and emissions limitations. The bounding phenomenon was the avoidance of ash fusion owing to high temperatures. The method used by Cohen et al (1987), formed the basis of the cyclone design. The modeling of the discrete phase was mainly twofold. One was the consideration of high aspect ratio particles (e.g. cylindrical particles) and the familiar Stokes spherical particle model. Given that for these particles, the drag force prevails in most cases, the determination of the drag coefficient for the various shapes including those of disks were documented (Figure 10). The computation of the particle tracking followed the application of a rather complex but well explained momentum expression (equation 70), the work of Coimbra and Rangel (1998).

Data Analysis: The data obtained is split into two. One set for the forward step geometry and the other set for the cyclone geometries. Velocity profiles for the forward step geometry, also referred to as the sudden expansion, have been compared with experimental results and found to be in close agreement (Figures 18 25). In general, unlike the k-epsilon model, the RSM turbulence model was able to capture all but one of the recirculation zones. The central reverse zone was not captured. A key observation was the fact that the reattachment position drew closer to the step with increasing swirl (Figures 18 28). Axial velocity profiles for the Stairmand and novel cyclones were compared in Figure 32.

Conclusion The preliminary objective of the research was, albeit with a bit of curtailing, achieved. The whole process provided the author with invaluable modeling information and experience useful for the furtherance of the work of opmisation of cyclone combustors for biomass combustion. The interaction of the author with Prof Chern, has precipitated interesting questions that will undoubtedly enrich the task at hand, going forward. Prof Chern has proposed the formulation of a time-saving Immersed Boundary (IB) method. The cyclone chamber owes a great deal of its performance to the vortex finder (vf). Could the IB method help in optimising the vf ? What are the consequences of installing a flexing vf ? The IB method originally a result of efforts by Charles Peskin, is famous for resolving the interaction between fluids and elastic structures. Is it worth testing the various forms of the vf on an IB platform. In proposing these questions, the author nonetheless concurs absolutely with the ultimate test geometry proposed by his supervisor, Prof. Chern. Reference: MPhil Report: ENG/COMB/20

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