Work

CFD–DEM simulation of charged particles in riser with coarse-graining model of tribocharging and electrostatics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Electrostatic effects in industrial granular systems such as recirculating fluidized beds can be important due to significant implications on process performances. Addressing these effects through numerical simulation is challenging due to the scarcity of suitable models and the long computational times required. This study proposes a coarse-graining (CG) approach within the CFD–DEM technique to compute triboelectric charging effect, significantly reducing computational load. After validation, the coarse-grained model is applied to a circulating fluidized bed riser. By comparison with experimental measurement, the recirculating solids flow is estimated and charged vs. uncharged conditions are compared. The effect of the coarse graining factor is investigated in detail, revealing that the mass, overall specific charge and specific charge distribution along the radius and height is correctly scaled up to CG factor 6. Finally, simulation results at different scaling are utilized to quantify the solids adhering at the riser column walls, showing constant surface coverage at CG factor up to 10 and linear scaling of the adhered mass. Overall, the CG strategy proves promising for large scale simulations of electrostatic effects in industrial processes.

Source: Powder Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.123078

Authors: Francesca Orsola Alfano, Erasmo Salvatore Napolitano, Kimiaki Washino, Francesco Paolo Di Maio, Alberto Di Renzo

Institutions: University of Calabria, The University of Osaka

Language: English

Topic: Granular flow and fluidized beds

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,610