A Direct Numerical Simulation Investigation of the One-Phase Flow in a Simplified Emulsification Device

Abstract

More detailed investigation of the flow inside emulsification devices, e.g., High-pressure homogenizers (HPHs) helps the industry to broaden the fundamental understanding of the working principle of these machines which in turn will pave the road to increase the breakup efficiency of emulsification processes. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is not deemed as a practical method in industry due to the high computational cost and time. This study is the first DNS carried out on a model of an emulsification device model. The goal of this study is to set a benchmark for future CFD investigations using industrially favorable tools (RANS, LES, etc.). A scale-up model HPH is designed and the results show a successful modeling of the flow field mimicking the flow behavior inside a typical HPH.