Group C+ particles: Extraordinary dense phase expansion during fluidization through nano-modulation

Abstract

Group C particles, although deemed to be difficult to fluidize because of their cohesive nature, fluidize well with high bed expansion and therefore hold more gas in the bed after nano-modulation. Using the bed collapse test, the dense phase properties of those formed Group C+ and Group A particles were characterized. Group C+ particles exhibited much higher dense phase expansion and larger dense phase voidage than Group A particles, indicating more gas holdup in the dense phase available for intimate gas-solid contact. Therefore, Group C+ particles, with the extraordinary dense phase expansion and the large specific surface area, are significantly better for industrial processes, especially in gas-phase catalytic reactions. Maximum dense phase expansion (Ed,max) was defined as a factor for quantifying the expansion ability of the dense phase for different particles. Group C+ particles with greater Ed,max values signifies higher dense phase expansions, beneficial for gas-solid contact.