Numerical study of the dynamic aggregation behaviors of oil droplets in the porous filter media consisting of basalt particles

Porous granular media based on the gravity-driven principle have been proven to be efficient for the separation of oil-water emulsions. However, the complexity of the relevant parameters and the intricate structure of porous media pose great challenges to the design and optimization of the separation process. In this study, the dynamic behavior of oil droplets within the porous structure was numerically analyzed based on the Euler-Euler model and the coupling of the two-phase flow and level set method. The oil-water separation efficiency and droplet trajectory were analyzed under different conditions, considering the deformation of the droplets, kinetic viscosity , and interactions among the droplets. The simulation results show the real-time movement, aggregation, and detachment of oil droplets within the porous filter. The results are useful for understanding the demulsification in a microscopic perspective and provide theoretical guidance for designing more efficient oil-water separation systems. • Oil-water separation process in porous media was simulated using Euler-Euler model. • Aggregation behaviors of oil droplets was realized by two-phase flow coupling level set. • The influence of characteristic parameters on aggregation behaviors was analyzed.