Modelling of the generation of ultra-fine aluminum particles from the quench of superheated vapour in turbulent flow

This work reports on a Low Reynolds Number (LRN) turbulent model to simulate such systems for the production of pure metal powders. Aluminium has been chosen as an example.; The fluid flow in the turbulent regime was simulated using the LRN model by Jones and Launder (1973); while the dynamic behaviour of the particulate system was modeled in terms of the leading moments of the particle size distribution. The shape of the aerosol size distribution was approximated by a unimodal lognormal function.; The set of governing equations were solved numerically using the Finite Volume formulation, while the SIMPLER algorithm (Patankar 1980) was used to solve the momentum equations coupled with the continuity equation. The effect of different process parameters on the characteristics of the product was investigated. The model presented can be used to assist the understanding and scale up of such ultra fine particle generators. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...