Particle Arrestance Modeling Within Fibrous Porous Media

Abstract

In the present study, particle growth on individual fibers within a fibrous medium is examined as flow conditions transition beyond the Stokes flow regime. Employing a numerical model that solves the viscous, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, the Stokes flow approximation used in past research to describe the velocity field through the fibrous medium is eliminated. Fibers are modeled in a staggered array to eliminate assumptions regarding the effects of neighboring fibers. Results from the numerical model are compared to the limiting theoretical results obtained for individual cylinders and arrays of cylinders. Particle growth is presented as a function of time, angular position around the fiber, and flow Reynolds number. From the range of conditions examined, particles agglomerate into taller and narrower dendrites as Reynolds number is increased, which increases the probability that they will break off as larger agglomerations and, subsequently, substantially reduce the hydraulic conductivity of the porous medium.