Modeling Particle Deposition In Ventilation Ducts

This paper describes predictions from two models of fractional particle loss in four typical HVAC duct runs. One model is a state-of-the-art Eulerian formulation; the second is based on empirical fits to experimental particle deposition data collected in a laboratory. The experiments are briefly described and sample results are presented. The Eulerian model only predicts deposition from fully developed turbulence, while the empirical model can be applied to duct bends and developing turbulence as well. The models predict almost no losses for particles smaller than 1 µm and nearly complete loss of particles larger than 40 µm in all duct runs. The empirical model suggests that particle loss in ventilation ducts is dominated by gravitational settling to the floor of horizontal ducts, and by deposition to zones where turbulent flow is undeveloped, such as in bends and in duct sections immediately after bends.