Filtration Solutions, Inc. - Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Flow and mass transportation are major components of the study and optimization of filtration systems. In addition to the experimental approach, FSI is capable of performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. This enables parametric studies to be carried out with computers rather than expensive hardware modification, and thus helps us achieve an optimum system design as efficiently as possible. The example below shows the development of Dean Flow in a flow passage.

Analyses Performed:

Viscous, incompressible with inertia effects
Viscous, compressible with inertia effects

This example shows fluid passing through a circular passage. Both the primary and secondary flows can be investigated through CFD Analysis. The figure below shows the CFD model of the flow passage.

CFD Model of Flow Passage

The picture on the left below shows the flow velocity contours of the center section of the flow passage. The top half of the flow passage is removed to show the contours.

The picture on the right below shows an elevated view of the flow velocity contours at the center of the flow passage. The flow is symmetric about the horizontal center-line.

Flow Velocity Contours of the Center Section Main Flow Velocity Contours
(Cut at Symmetric Plane)

Elevation View of the Flow Velocity Contours Main Flow Velocity Contours in the Flow Passage

CFD Scale

Dean Flow

The animation below simulates the secondary flow traced by small particles, which occurs when the flow passes through the curved passage. The direction of the secondary flow is perpendicular to the main direction of flow. The secondary flow (shown as double-vortex flow) is also known as Dean Flow.

Dean Flow Animation

Some of FSI's filter designs take advantage of the vortices generated by Dean Flow to keep the filter membrane surface clean.

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