Characterization of aggregate disruption using organic marine particles and particle tracking measurements in rotating/oscillating aggregation tanks

Yixuan Song, Matthew J. Rau

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The fate of particulate matter in the ocean is determined in large part by its size and settling rate. Disaggregation, caused by turbulence-induced shear, acts to fracture or Erode large particles into slower-settling sub-aggregates and primary particles. The strength and breakup response of organic marine aggregates (i.e. marine snow particles consisting of phytoplankton) is poorly understood, limiting our ability to accurately predict marine particle transport effects on the global carbon cycle. A study was conducted to enable the investigation of disaggregation effects on these organic marine particle aggregates. Due to the fragile nature of the Phytoplankton cells and their resulting aggregates, test facilities that do not rely on external sampling or pumps are required. A novel rolling aggregation tank was developed that can both aggregate phytoplankton cells under varying hydrodynamic conditions and then expose them to calibrated shear forces using laminar oscillating flow. The theory behind the operation of this tank is presented along with the necessary operating conditions to create stable regions within the tank where particle settling effects are minimal but shear is still representative of values expected in the open ocean. Phytoplankton was cultured in the laboratory to create simulated marine snow particles in the open ocean for disaggregation experiments. The procedure to calculate and track the shear-history of each aggregate is described and how the data generated from this facility will be used to quantify disaggregation parameters relevant for population balance modeling is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMultiphase Flow
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791859087
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019
EventASME-JSME-KSME 2019 8th Joint Fluids Engineering Conference, AJKFluids 2019 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jul 28 2019Aug 1 2019

Publication series

NameASME-JSME-KSME 2019 8th Joint Fluids Engineering Conference, AJKFluids 2019
Volume5

Conference

ConferenceASME-JSME-KSME 2019 8th Joint Fluids Engineering Conference, AJKFluids 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period7/28/198/1/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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