Filling simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Filling a component can prove difficult. There are many aspects to consider — venting, effects in the filler pipe, and dynamic effects in the medium (waves, for example).

The following questions are typically of interest when filling:

• are there air pockets after filling?
• how does the fluid behave in the filler pipe?
• how high are the local flow velocities?
• does the filling behaviour change at different temperatures?
• does the fluid continue to slosh in the tank (waves in the vessel)?
• are settled particles stirred up?
• how quickly can the vessel be filled?

The animation alongside shows the results for the filling of a tank. The simulation was carried out as transient and multiphase (gas phase: air; liquid phase: fuel).

On the basis of the resulting flow field, the following were carried out:

• assessment of whether static charge build-up and foaming occur
• optimisation of the inlet pipe geometry
• optimisation of the venting
• reduction of stirred-up particles by means of baffles in the tank
• reduction of the filling time

Filling of a tank

Have we caught your interest?

Then get in touch and we will get back to you promptly.