Generic tool for energy optimization of gas-cleaning plants

The physical tests will provide the physical data required and will be used for verification of the numerical calculations. The focus will be on the generic elements. In particular, the energy losses related to screens and guide vanes inserted in process components of gas-cleaning plants. Screens and guide vane are often used in industrial process equipment to control and improve poor flow conditions caused by plant geometries that are determined by space limitations and economic considerations. Diffusers with large expansion angles and sharply curved ducts are examples of flow elements that result in non-uniform flows with large re-circulation zones and poor mixing as opposed to the desired uniform flow with good mixing and controlled residence times. The design of diffusers has for decades been determined using experimental investigations on scale models and from experience. The significant improvements of the purely numerical methods over the last years has made it possible in practise to model the complex diffuser structures with screens and guide vanes. The project will establish a general numerical design tool for the optimization of e.g. electrostatic precipitators with guide vanes and screens. The optimization will aim at generating uniform gas-flow distribution and minimizing the pressure drop over the filter. The obtained results are of a generic character and can be applied within industrial process equipment from power plants to the food processing industries