CFD–DEM investigation into the scaling up of spout‐fluid beds via two interconnected chambers

Abstract

The hydrodynamics and chamber interaction in a three‐dimensional spout‐fluid bed with two interconnected chambers are investigated via computational fluid dynamics coupled with discrete element method (CFD–DEM), because multiple interconnected chambers are key to scaling up spout‐fluid beds. The overall solid motion, spouting evolution, and spout‐annulus interface is studied, followed by time‐averaged hydrodynamics, particle‐scale information, spout‐annulus interaction, and inter‐chamber interaction. The results show that inter‐chamber interactions lead to unique characteristics distinct from that for a single‐chamber system, including (1) asymmetry of the hydrodynamics within each chamber, (2) alternative spouting behavior in the two chambers, (3) smaller pressure drop in terms of magnitude and fluctuations, (4) two peaks in the solid residence time (SRT) frequency histogram of the annulus, (5) average SRT in the spout is twice that in a single‐chamber, and (6) larger solid dispersion in all three directions. The results provide meaningful understanding for the scale‐up of spout‐fluid beds. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1898–1916, 2016