Minimum Fluidization Velocity of Intermediate Sized Particles in Conventional and Packed Fluidized Bed

Abstract

Abstract Typical Geldart B class particles are often used in a gas-solid fluidized bed for various industrial applications. The quality of fluidization of Geldart B particles depends upon the geometry of the bed containing vessel, properties of fluidization medium and the gas flow rate. The presence of large bubbles/slugs that can happen in beds with intermediate class particles is undesirable. The bubbling and slugging, which decrease the quality of fluidization can be prevented with the phenomenon called packed fluidization. Experiments were carried out on the conventional fluidized bed and packed fluidized bed to investigate some of the hydrodynamic characteristics as a function of bed temperature, small particle size, fluidization medium and fraction of voids of packing filled with small particles. The superficial gas velocity required for packed fluidization reduces significantly than conventional fluidization. The minimum fluidization velocity of particles increases with an increase in density of the fluidization gas and decreases with increase in temperature of the bed. A correlation established from experimental data fairly predicts the minimum fluidization velocity for the packed fluidized bed.