Sediment flow in inclined vessels calculated using a multiphase particle-in-cell model for dense particle flows

Abstract Sedimentation of particles in an inclined vessel is predicted using a two-dimensional, incompressible, multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method. The numerical technique solves the governing equations of the fluid phase using a continuum model and those of the particle phase using a Lagrangian model. Mapping particle properties to an Eulerian grid and then mapping back computed stress tensors to particle positions allows a complete solution of sedimentation from a dilute mixture to close-pack. The solution scheme allows for distributions of types, sizes and density of particles, with no numerical diffusion from the Lagrangian particle calculations. The MP-PIC solution method captures the physics of inclined sedimentation which includes the clarified fluid layer under the upper wall, a dense mixture layer above the bottom wall, and instabilities which produce waves at the clarified fluid and suspension interface. Measured and calculated sedimentation rates are in good agreement.