Optimization of air flow distribution in short diffuser adsorption filters: a combined approach based on a perforated plate and a profiled adsorbent layer

For citation: Korneeva A.S., Fil’kin N.Yu. Optimization of air flow distribution in short diffuser adsorption filters: a combined approach based on a perforated plate and a profiled adsorbent layer. Journal of International Academy of Refrigeration. 2026. No 2. p. 12-19. DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2026-25-2-12-19 (in Russian)

Abstract
This paper addresses the pressing issue of uneven airflow distribution in short-diffuser adsorption filters. This problem is critical for many industries, including chemical production, pharmaceuticals, and air conditioning systems, where highly efficient removal of harmful impurities from gas emissions is required. Uneven flow leads to premature depletion of the adsorbent in certain areas of the bed, while other zones are underutilized, thus significantly reducing overall purification efficiency and increasing operating costs. Therefore, finding methods for equalizing the flow velocity is an important scientific and technical challenge. This study proposes a combined method for improving airflow uniformity, combining the installation of a perforated plate and adsorbent bed profiling. CFD modeling in ANSYS CFX was used to compare four filter flow path options: a basic configuration, a variant with only a perforated plate, only a profiled layer, and a combination of these. It was found that the separate application of these methods was ineffective: a single plate increased the non-uniformity (K = 2.80), while profiling, although it smoothed the velocity front, provided only a minor improvement (K = 1.90). The key finding is that the combined use of both methods provides a synergistic effect, reducing the non-uniformity coefficient to 1.50. Thus, the study results demonstrate the potential of a hybrid approach for creating highly efficient adsorption filters with improved performance. This engineering solution not only improves the purification efficiency through more complete utilization of the adsorbent capacity but also reduces the aerodynamic drag of the system, resulting in reduced energy consumption.