Simulation of cluster formation in gas–solid flow induced by particle–particle collisions

Simulations of gas–solid flows in a horizontal channel are presented. The transient motion of the particle phase is computed using the Simultaneous Particle Tracking technique. Particle–particle collisions are accounted for by applying a Stochastic model. Particle to gas mass loading ratio is varied in the simulations from 0.01 upto 10. The influence of inter-particle collisions on the particle concentration distribution is investigated. Collisions are found to have a significant effect on the concentration distribution at moderate to high loading ratios. For high loading ratios, collisions tend to enhance the formation of particle clusters.