Title: Numerical analysis of superoleophilic-superhydrophobic filtration system for emulsions separation using lattice Boltzmann method

Authors: Luma Al-Tamimi; Hassan Farhat

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., Detroit, MI, 48202, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

Abstract: A novel 3D hybrid quasi-steady thermal lattice is used to study the oil-water separation in stable emulsions and evaluate the efficiency of superoleophilic/superhydrophobic filtration systems through a variety of parameters. This work introduces the first 3D LBM model that combines the effects of surfactant and thermal conditions on the contact angle of a droplet adhering to a wall while accounting for all factors contributing to the complexity of emulsions systems. The LBM model demonstrated several key advantages: it mimics the superwetting filter system with any desired contact angle, evaluates wetting and oil-water separation under a broad array of conditions and increases the opportunity for innovation of superwetting filter designs by allowing modification and validation of various conditions. Furthermore, it is useful for highlighting the mechanisms that take place in the filtration process, such as the suspended phase behaviour, coalescence, and breakup, and determine which parameters can influence the greatest efficiencies.

Keywords: lattice Boltzmann method; LBM; Gunstensen model; contact angle; thermal model; surfactants; high viscosity ratio; super-wetting material filter.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2024.135642

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2024 Vol.24 No.1, pp.42 - 53

Received: 09 Jul 2022
Accepted: 28 Mar 2023
Published online: 20 Dec 2023 *

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