Simulation of particle deposition in a plate-fin heat exchanger using a particle deposition model with a random function method

The particle deposition characteristics of plate-fin heat exchangers were studied using a particle deposition model with a random function method. The effects of the inlet velocity, particle size, and temperature difference on particle deposition and the distribution of the particles deposited in plate-fin heat exchangers were investigated. The simulation results showed that the thermal diffusion–induced motion of small particles was obvious at low velocities, the deposition of large particles was mainly limited by the critical velocity, there was a maximum deposition velocity in particle deposition and the maximum deposition velocity decreases with increasing particle size. Finally, large particles would rebound and deposit after secondary impacts. The temperature difference will increase the average deposition efficiency of 1 μm particles, and reduce the average deposition efficiency of 7 μm particles. The plate-fin heat exchanger should be designed with consideration for the particle size range and velocity seen in the intended application.