Turbomachinery is used in many industry processes to move gasses containing large amounts of solid particles. In the process of producing clinker, centrifugal fans work in extremely erosive environments. Thanks to the reference paper “ EROSION BEHAVIOR ON A LARGE-SIZED CENTRIFUGAL FAN”, a CFD study is conducted to investigate and model erosion on a centrifugal fan using ANSYS Fluent.

Simulation Process

The model geometry is primarily designed by Design Modeler. Due to the complexities of the model, Fluent Meshing tool is utilized to perform an unstructured grid. It goes without saying that the rotational motion of the impeller can be applied using Multi Reference Frame (MRF) module. Thus, two separate zone have to be designed: rotational & stationary. The main focus of the study is on erosion. So inevitably, Discrete Phase Model (DPM) and Erosion/Accretation submodel are enabled. To some extent, the small dust particles cannot influence the air (continuous phase), leading to 1-way DPM approach. Further, Saffman lift force is included.

Post-processing

The continuous interaction and collision between dust particles and the rotating impeller lead to erosion over time. The erosion rate may be different in value depending on various numerical approaches. The Finnie erosion model is selected in the present study. As a result, the erosion rate contour depicted and can show the major erosion regions.