Presentation
The Fragmentation of Oil-Particle Aggregates Over a Prolonged Period in the Turbulent Environment and the Modelling of the Breakup Mechanism
DescriptionDispersed oil droplets in the aquatic environment usually interact with suspended particles and form oil-particle aggregates (OPAs), a process that could significantly alter the trajectory of oil movement. Contrary to previous assumptions that particles cover the oil surface, limiting further breakage or aggregation of OPAs, studies herein demonstrated that particles behave like projectiles penetrating the oil droplets, resulting in the breakage of OPAs over a prolonged period of time. A model was proposed and developed here examining the OPA breakup through two different breakup mechanisms. The first mechanism depicted the breakup of one large OPA into two daughter droplets owing to the turbulent nature, whereas the second mechanism demonstrated the tear of the OPA surface layer caused by particle uprooting. The model was then calibrated using data summarized from earlier experimental studies. Three key factors were identified accounting for the breakage of OPAs, including the particle concentration, the turbulent energy, and the oil viscosity. It was found that the turbulent scale of the aquatic environment and the abundance of particle concentration serve as dominant factors attributing the breakage of OPAs. The breakage rate was enhanced by the increasing energy dissipation rate and the increasing particle concentrations, resulting in smaller OPA distributions. The breakage rate decreased with the increase in oil viscosity, most likely from large resistance to shear stress. Platy and spherical particles were considered, and their penetration in the oil droplets were quantified. The work provides a basis for a comprehensive investigation of oil-particle interaction.
Event Type
Paper
TimeWednesday, May 15th1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT
Location291-292
Response
Restoration