Theoretical Parameter Study of Aerodynamic Vectoring Particle Sorting

Abstract

A new particle sorting technique called aerodynamic vectoring particle sorting (AVPS) has recently been shown to be effective at sorting particles without particles contacting surfaces. The technique relies on turning a free jet sharply without extended control surfaces. The flow turning results in a balance of particle inertia and several forces (pressure, drag, added mass, and body forces) that depend on particle size and density. The present paper describes a theoretical study of particle sorting in a turning flow. The purpose of this study is to extend AVPS to parameter spaces other than those that are currently under investigation. Spherical particles are introduced into a turning flow in which the velocity magnitude increases like r. The trajectory of each particle is calculated using the particle equation of motion with drag laws that are appropriate for various Knudsen number regimes. Large data sets can be collected rapidly for various particle sizes, densities, turning radii, flow speeds, and fluid properties. Ranges of particle sizes that can be sorted are determined by finding an upper bound (where particles move in a straight line) and a lower bound (where particles follow flow streamlines). It is found that the size range of particles that can be sorted is larger for smaller turning radii, and that the range moves toward smaller particles as the flow speed and the particle-to-fluid density ratio are increased. Since this flow is laminar and 2-D, and particle loading effects are ignored, the results represent a “best case” scenario.