Direct numerical simulation of pollutant adsorption by charged inertial spheroidal particles suspended in a homogeneous isotropic turbulent flow.

This article investigates how the shape, size, and porosity of spheroidal adsorbent particles influence the sorption rate of gaseous pollutants in turbulent flows passing through electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). Using direct numerical simulations (DNS) coupled with a mass transfer model based on the Freundlich isotherm, the study models the dynamics and pollutant uptake of charged, porous spheroidal particles—including oblate, prolate, and near-spherical shapes—in a turbulent flow field. Results indicate that adsorbent surface area has a greater effect on pollutant removal than particle volume, with higher porosity enhancing sorption efficiency; spherical particles or those tending toward oblate shapes perform best at low porosity ratios, while prolate shapes are preferable at higher porosity due to increased internal mass transfer. The findings provide guidance for optimizing adsorbent particle characteristics to improve air purification efficiency and reduce costs in practical PSI-ESP applications.