Modeling of the production of ultra fine Aluminium particles in rapid quenching turbulent flow

A two-dimensional axi-symmetric turbulent model of a particle generator with radial injection of a quenching gas was developed to gain a better understanding of the particle forming process. The model uses the Jones–Launder Low Reynolds Number (LRN) Turbulence model to calculate the fluid flow field. The evolution of the particle size distribution is calculated using the method of moments (MOM) assuming a lognormal particle size distribution and no coagulation when the gas temperature is lower than the melting point of Aluminium. The model provides information on distributions of flow, temperature and concentration fields and particle generation within the reactor as well as mixing cup data as a function of reactor length. The effect of the injection flow rate on the characteristics of the final product was studied. The model can be used to study laminar, turbulent and systems where both regimes are present.