CFD–DEM simulation of a pseudo-two-dimensional spouted bed comprising coarse particles

Abstract

In the present study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) are used in conjunction with the Eulerian–Lagrangian method to simulate a pseudo-two-dimensional spouted bed comprising coarse 6-mm particles. The open-source OpenFOAM code is used to solve the governing equations. The predicted vertical particle velocity along the bed axis, particle velocity profiles in the radial direction, power spectral density, time-averaged particle velocity vectors, bed pressure drop, and solid flow pattern are evaluated and compared with existing experimental data. Good agreement is found between the CFD–DEM results and the measured data. It is also shown that the present CFD–DEM model accurately predicts the particle flow pattern throughout the bed. It is found that the drag force, solid stresses, and gravity play important roles in the CFD–DEM simulation of a spouted bed comprising coarse particles.