A New Multi-Scale Paradigm for Particulate Flow

Existing theories for particulate flow lack the robustness, predictability and flexibility required to handle the totality of phenomena that such flow may exhibit. Some unwanted industrial issues (such as particle agglomeration) and their management still remain an "art". Current practice is based mainly on ad-hoc models for each specific flow. I propose a novel approach, based on the combination of physical evidence and mathematical methods (statistical mechanics) that will lead to the formulation of a reliable theory applicable to industrial and natural phenomena. A successful theory will create a paradigm shift in the way particulate flow is modelled and will produce a tool that can be employed to substitute ad hoc models, hence avoiding a priori judgements of the flow conditions before selecting the appropriate model. The work proposed aims at bridging the gap between particle technology and rheology. It will result in devising a robust theory able to describe the meso-scale phenomena and link them to particle interactions. The theory will strongly rely on implementing accurate rheological measurement to validate the theory at the meso-scale and to assure a meaningful scale-up to the reactor scale. It will produce fundamental as well as user orientated research by developing a novel predictor which has the potential to significantly reduce production costs and improve the product quality in three areas important to the UK economy, namely pharmaceuticals, paints and detergents, valued at £200B per year

This fellowship will strengthen the link between the particle technology, the rheology and the mathematic academic communities to develop a new paradigm to describe particulate flow rigorously. Validation of the results will impact on the development of a methodology and of a protocol for reliable measurements at the meso-level. The research is user-inspired and knowledge exchange represents a very significant component of the arrays of impact activities which will be undertaken. The immediate benefit of the research will be to unify the sparse efforts to characterise the flow of particulate materials and devise a predictor that could equally be used for academic research and industrial practice.
The fellowship will impact on the development of CFD codes that will be specifically developed for application in the process industry. The collaboration with DOE will imply access to their coding facilities, expertise and know-how. The collaboration with PSRI will make it possible to access their numerical expertise and to their sheer amount of data that they are willing to share (see letter of support). The resulting outcomes will impact on the CFD community. The link with CPI will impact stronghly of the manufacturing industry in the UK.
Finally, although the main aim of the fellowship is to focus on industrial problems which are found in the process industry, the results will be of relevance to cognate fields such as energy, global warming and public health. As an example, the work proposed can impact on the production of efficient filters for Black Carbon (filtration is less energy intensive that CO2 separation from the atmosphere). Consequently the work from this fellowship, has the potential to impact on particle emissions, legal regulations and public health.