Computational Fluid Dynamics
CFD is a powerful technique that uses computer-based simulations to calculate and visualise temperature, density, viscosity, pressure and velocity distribution or any other physical characteristics of fluids.
Mathematical model of the physical case and a numerical method are used in a CFD software tool to analyse the fluid flow and generate accurate solution for the physical phenomenon associated with the fluid flow. It is widely applied to research and engineering problems across academia and industry in areas such as chemical engineering, industrial system design and analysis, fluid flows and head transfer and many more.
There are many diverse applications of CFD in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing domain. In the PMTC cleaning theme we are using CFD modelling to quantify and predict cleaning rates by various cleaning methods and cleaning agents as a function of operating conditions.
Delivery of Cleaning agents based on CFD models
Currently, PMTC use CFD for to investigate the following areas of cleaning with the aim to improve the outcome of the cleaning process:
- Best delivery method of cleaning agents.
- Minimum requirements for spray-ball (cleaning in place “CIP”) with jet pressures and contact time requirements.
- Agitation requirements for flooded equipment and pump rates for pipe cleaning for optimal cleaning.
- Soakage times.
- Inaccessible fittings cleaning.
- Optimum equipment design.
- Optimum spray/distribution patterns.
- Optimum (re)design of traditionally ‘hard-to-reach’ areas.
- Investigate differences in spray patterns and delivery methods for different cleaning agents.
To learn more, please get in touch here
