Study of particle dynamics and erosion in a centrifugal fan

Authors

Adel Ghenaiet - Laboratory of Energy Conversion Systems, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, BP32 El-Alia, Bab-Ezzouar, 16111, Algiers, Algeria

Abstract

Centrifugal fans with cambered plates are characterized by large regions of flow separation and recirculation even at design point, which affect the particle dynamics and render the erosion prediction more complex. In this study the Lagrangian approach is used to track sand particles and determine the impacts and erosion densities. The results show strong effects of particle size and concentration and operating conditions on the particle dynamics and erosion development. Non-uniform distributions of erosion density are observed over the impeller blade pressure side and hub and the volute. The revealed regions of extreme erosion densities may help to select an adequate coating for this centrifugal fan.