Numerical simulation of metal aerosol electrostatic collection based on CFD

In order to solve the problem of low collection efficiency of aerosol particles, a model and corresponding optimization strategy were constructed by using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation and analysis. In this study, the finite element method in COMSOL Multiphysics was used to simulate the impact of various radon progeny metal aerosol particle sizes on the flow and electric fields. The metal aerosol was generated using a method that combines fluid flow and electric fields for collection. The model optimizes collection by selecting the right flow velocity (10.0–400.0 mm/s) and voltage (5.0 kV) for the electric field in the collection chamber, which enhances particle aggregation. After the particles are further charged using an electroneedle, they accumulate on the cathode plate, as the flow velocity increases, the collection efficiency is enhanced in the middle and diminishes at the edges, and it is more effective for smaller particle sizes. The simulation results depict the flow and electric field distributions of aerosol particles with varying sizes. By integrating this approach with aerosol simulations, a new strategy to enhance the electrostatic collection efficiency of metal powder is developed.