Filtration and FSI CFD Tools

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For the dedicated modelling of

Filter applications,
Fluid-Structure-Interactions (FSI)

DHCAE Tools has, based on the renowned CFD toolbox OpenFOAM®, made extensions for a comfortable and professional usage of open source solver technology in an industrial environment.

Valve application: FSI coupling of OpenFOAM® and CalculiX

Modelling of filter applications

Already in the development, the inflow on the filter can be optimised without building a prototype. This leads to a

higher filter efficiency,
better utilisation of the filter material and
an energetic process optimisation due to a lower pressure loss.

Your benefits from filter modelling

Modelling approach

The utilised modelling is based on the so-called Euler-Lagrange approach, that takes account of the coninuous flow and the dispersed solid particles. In the simulation tool, especially the reaction of the particles on the filter is considered, e.g. the continuous shift of the flow into zones with lower resistance.

Two approaches are available:

The macro-modelling for an efficient simulation of multiple filter arrangements, e.g. dust separation plants with a variety of filter elements
The new meso scale modelling with a resolution of detail effects in the cake and filter media including a wide range of implemented models for porosity, permeability and separation

For the work with the filter solver, the user can choose between two options:

The textfile based work, as usual under OpenFOAM®. This working method is suited for advanced OpenFOAM® users, or if you have already integrated a CFD workflow for OpenFOAM® in your company.
Alternatively, you can define your filter simulation case in CastNet. By specific adaptations and extensions of OpenFOAM® for filter applications, DHCAE Tools created a cost-efficient, reliable and stable simulation tool for the filter industry.

Modelling for filter applications

Modelling for filter applications is made especially easy for the user:

The filter regions can directly be selected in the CAD model.
The definition of the filter parameters and the solver features in the coupling of the particles with the continuous phase is directly carried out in the GUI.
By prefabricated or self-produced templates, the simulation case is defined with just a few clicks.
The whole process with all result files is integrated into the automatic workflow.

Support and adaptations included

A support and adaptation package is always included in the package for the filter solver. By this, we adapt the solving possibilities of the tools to your specific requirements. If you need, for example, a special form of loading characteristic for your filters, it will be provided by us immediately. We also support you with the usage of the solver.

DHCAE Tools has created a tool that enables the solving of static fluid structure applications directy from a modelling environment. CalculiX (open source) as well as Abaqus can be used as structure solver, in case Abaqus is available in your company.

The solver is suitable for solid fields and shell elements.

It uses an iterative coupling with a consistent transfer of the pressure forces and shear stresses on the structure. The shifted geometry, as simulated by the structure solver, is transferred back to OpenFOAM®. Here, a geometry update takes place, and the flow forces are transferred from the deformed geometries on the structure solver. This procedure is continued as long as a convergence between the flow forces and the shifted structure is achieved.

By the data conversion from CalculiX results to ParaView, which was made available by DHCAE Tools, the results of flow and structure can be shown simultaneously.

Fluid-Structure-Interactions (FSI)

DHCAE FSI coupling between OpenFOAM® and CalculiX/Abaqus

Fluid-Structure-Interactions (FSI) occur when forces exert on an elastic solid by a flow and cause stresses, distensions or shifts. On the other hand, the flow can be influenced when shifts in the flow field are generated by external forces on an elastic solid. In both cases, the assumption of a solid wall, which is typical in the mere flow simulation (CFD), is quitted and replaced by the elastic modelling of the solid. By this, the fluid structure analysis shows the coupling of a CFD simulation with a solid problem.

Fluid-Structure-Interaction: Extension of an extrusion die by flow forces

Macro-Scale modelling: Particle distribution on the filter surface of a water filter

Macro-Scale modelling: Filter plant for air purification

A test environment is available for you

For a test of the filter simulation, a comfortable test environment with examples is available for you via the Internet. Here, you can directly test your filter application and evaluate, which hardware resources will be required by you later.