Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Example of Electrostatic precipitator simulation using Lagrangian model

This article explains how to setup an Electro Static Precipitator (ESP) simulation in Simcenter STAR-CCM+ in steady state one-way coupling. ESP removes fine particles like dust from flowing gas using the force of an induced electrostatic charge.

Geometry details and Boundary Conditions

In this example, a 2D symmetry geometry is used, as shown below. Boundary conditions for 2D wire plate ESP are explained in the below image. For Discharge Wires wall boundary Electric potential (70 kV) is applied. For Collecting Plate wall boundary Electric potential (0 V) is applied. The Inlet boundary is set as velocity inlet with 1 m/s for Air. Outlet boundary is assigned by default to be pressure type with zero relative pressure (i.e. absolute pressure equivalent to reference pressure).

Fig.1: Domain

Material properties

In this simulation Air is the carrier gas. Ash particles are separated from gas.

• Air Density (kg/m3)  1.225
• Air Viscosity (Pas) 1.7894 E-5
• Ash Particle Density (kg/m3)  600
• Ash Particle diameter (μm) 10

Physics

One-way coupling is considered between flow and particle. Initially, the flow is ran in a steady manner without particles injection. Once the flow is converged, the particles are injected into the domain and particle trajectories are calculated.

Results

The Electric Potential field stretches is higher around the wires and decreases towards the walls as shown in figure 2.

Fig.2: Electric Potential in the Domain

The particles start to deviate from their straight paths as they approach the first wire and show deflection as they also pass by the second wire. All the particles are collected at the collecting plate. 

Fig.3: Particle Tracks for 10 Micrometer size: Velocity Magnitude 

Fig.4:Particle Tracks for 2 Micrometer size: Velocity Magnitude