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Simulation

Researchers Develop New Framework to Study Sedimentation Behavior of Particles in Vertical Pipes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers have developed a new coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework to investigate the sedimentation behavior of densely arranged particles in vertical pipes. The model, which integrates porosity-dependent fluid governing equations through local averaging techniques, accurately captures transient acceleration, drag equilibrium, and rebound dynamics. The study, conducted by a team from Shandong University of Science and Technology, reveals that particle number, arrangement patterns, and fluid domain geometry play critical roles in regulating collective settling.

Key Takeaways:

  • The coupled SPH-DEM model accurately captures transient acceleration, drag equilibrium, and rebound dynamics in single-particle settling experiments.
  • Systematic simulations reveal that increasing particle count induces nonlinear terminal velocity reduction, with systems of 16 particles showing 50% lower velocity than single-particle cases due to enhanced shielding and energy dissipation.
  • Particle configuration (compact layouts 4 x 8 vs. elongated arrangements 8 x 4) dictates hydrodynamic resistance, with compact layouts facilitating faster settling by reducing cross-sectional blockage.
  • The width of the fluid domain exerts threshold effects, with narrow boundaries (0.03 m) intensifying wall-induced drag and suppressing vortices, while wider domains promote symmetric vortices that enhance stability.
  • Critical transitions in multi-row/column systems are identified, where stress-chain redistribution and fluid-permeation thresholds govern particle detachment and velocity stratification.
  • The findings provide a predictive tool for optimizing particle management in industrial processes such as wellbore cleaning and hydraulic fracturing.
  • The research was funded by the Study on Heavy Oil Well Completion and Stimulation Technology in Chenghai Guantao Formation.
  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Xiangwei Dong, with additional authors including Peng Ji, Zhiyuan Wang, Weigang Du, Zhenli Pang, Liyong Guan, and Yong Liu.

Statistics:

  • 50% reduction in terminal velocity for systems of 16 particles compared to single-particle cases
  • 4 x 8 compact layouts facilitating faster settling by reducing cross-sectional blockage
  • 8 x 4 elongated arrangements amplifying lateral resistance
  • 0.03 m narrow boundaries intensifying wall-induced drag and suppressing vortices
  • 50% higher stability in wider domains (> 0.03 m) compared to narrow domains

Sources:

  • Research: Numerical Simulation of Sedimentation Behavior of Densely Arranged Particles In a Vertical Pipe Using Coupled Sph-dem. Processes, 2025;13(9):2911. Processes
  • Researcher: Xiangwei Dong, Shandong University of Science and Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao 266590, People's Republic of China
  • Funding: Study on Heavy Oil Well Completion and Stimulation Technology in Chenghai Guantao Formation
  • Publisher: Mdpi, St Alban-Anlage 66, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland

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