The spouting regime map, bubbling characteristics and bed expansion of deep beds of large hollow polyethylene spheres

Abstract

AbstractThe high velocity spouting regime of a deep bed containing 9.6 mm hollow polyethylene spheres of density 394 kg/m3 was investigated in a 152.4 mm flat bottom cylindrical half column with a 50.8 mm inlet. A bed height vs gas velocity regime diagram is presented showing the conditions under which type II spouting is observed. The transition velocity from bubbling to type II spouting is determined using the autocorrelation of the pressure fluctuations in the bed. The bubbling characteristics of the bed are described. Bed expansion in bubbling and type II spouted beds are reported.