CFD Modeling of Airflow and Contaminant Transport for the Optimization of the DarkSide-20k Cleanroom Design
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DarkSide-20k is a next-generation direct dark matter detection experiment based on a large-scale dual-phase liquid argon time projection chamber (LAr-TPC), designed to probe Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) interactions with unprecedented sensitivity and currently under construction at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. In this context, a computational fluid dynamic study is conducted to support the optimization of the detector assembly cleanroom design, focusing on airflow patterns, pressure control strategies, and contaminant transport mechanisms. Thus,in order to prevent background contributions that could degrade the detector sensitivity. In this study a design analysis conducted with simulations performed with the commercial software ANSYS-Fluent is presented. In the design phase, the numerical model resolves airflow distribution, pressure gradients between adjacent zones, and contaminant transport within the main cleanroom volume. Air cleaning and recirculation are ensured by a ventilation system based on Fan Filter Units with HEPA filtration, with supply and recirculation units distributed at two different vertical levels, referred to as Plenum 1 and Plenum 2, to promote effective air renewal and contaminant removal. Particle transport is modeled to assess the potential accumulation of contaminants in critical assembly regions. The aim of simulations is to obtain results that support design choices aimed at improving airflow uniformity, enhancing contaminant removal efficiency, and ensuring compliance with cleanroom classification and operational requirements for clean air. This study demonstrates the role of high-fidelity CFD modeling as a predictive tool for cleanroom design optimization in large-scale underground experimental facilities.
