PARTICLES 2025

Mitigating Wall-Induced Ordering in Randomly Packed Beds through Sinusoidal Wall Corrugation

  • Marek, Maciej (Częstochowa University of Technology)
  • Wilczyński, Michał (Częstochowa University of Technology)
  • Durajski, Artur (Częstochowa University of Technology)
  • Niegodajew, Paweł (Częstochowa University of Technology)

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The efficiency of catalytic devices employing randomly packed particles is significantly influenced by the wall effect, which induces oscillating pattern in radial void fraction distribution . The oscillations diminish progressively with increasing distance from the wall but still influence the overall flow distribution throughout the reactor. This phenomenon disrupts flow uniformity and reaction rates, particularly in systems with small container-to-particle diameter ratios (Dc/Dp). While the wall effect has been widely studied, effective strategies to mitigate it remain limited. This study explores the impact of sinusoidal wall corrugations on the packing structure of randomly packed beds, focusing on reducing wall-induced particle ordering. Using a validated numerical model, the influence of wall corrugation on local void fraction oscillations is evaluated for Dc/Dp ratios of 10, 15, and 20. A comprehensive parametric study of corrugation wavelength (λ) and amplitude (A) is conducted, mapping void fraction variability in two regions: the near-wall zone (WZ) and the transition zone (TZ) up to 5 particle diameters from the wall. The results demonstrate that sinusoidal wall structuring significantly alters packing characteristics, reducing void fraction oscillations and enhancing uniformity in densely packed beds. Optimal corrugation parameters are identified as λ ≈ 4 and A ≈ 0.6 (in particle diameter units), particularly for Dc/Dp > 10. These parameters effectively suppress void fraction oscillations in the TZ, ensuring a smoother transition from the near-wall region to the bulk of the bed. For Dc/Dp < 10, the wall effect remains dominant, necessitating further investigation. The study highlights the potential of wall corrugation to homogenize packing structures, mitigate long- range particle ordering, and improve flow uniformity, which is critical for pressure drop, mass transfer, and reaction rates in chemical engineering applications. Acknowledgements. The investigation was supported by the Polish National Science Centre under Grant No. UMO-2023/51/B/ST8/01624. Participation in the conference was partially funded by statutory research funds BS/PB 100-301/2025/P.