Author(s): Pasha Piroozmand; Dany Suter; Davood Farshi

Linked Author(s): Davood Farshi

Keywords: CFD desanding systems volume of fluid OpenFOAM sedimentation

Abstract: This study numerically investigates a desander with tranquilizing racks using a two-phase CFD model developed in OpenFOAM 5.0. The desander aims to remove particles from the flow, and various rack geometries and configurations were analyzed. The model utilized the interFoam solver based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the k-epsilon turbulence model, with a computational grid of approximately five to six million cells. Particle behavior was not directly simulated. Results showed that the current rack configuration increased turbulence kinetic energy upstream, enhancing mixing, while reducing it downstream, which decreased horizontal velocity and potentially improved particle settlement. Four alternative rack configurations were evaluated: racks with a corner cross-section angle of 60 degrees, elongated racks, coarse four-row racks, and fine four-row racks. The 60-degree racks demonstrated beneficial effects on flow tranquilization and sedimentation, while elongated racks increased velocity, negatively impacting settlement. Coarse rows increased turbulence downstream, while fine rows presented mixed effects on flow characteristics. Overall, racks positively influenced flow tranquilization and sedimentation potential, but effects varied with configuration. An optimal rack design requires iterative testing rather than intuition. Future work should include a sediment phase in the CFD model for more accurate optimization.

DOI:

Year: 2025