Spherical versus elongated particles – Numerical investigation of mixing characteristics in a gas fluidized bed

Journal article (2020)

Authors

I. Mema Complex Fluid Processing - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J.T. Padding Complex Fluid Processing - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2020 I. Mema, J.T. Padding
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cesx.2020.100079
More Info
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Published Date

2020

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Process and Energy

Research Group

Complex Fluid Processing

Abstract

The possibility to offer good intermixing between particles is one of the main properties that make fluidized beds such an important industrial appliance. In this work, we use CFD-DEM simulations to compare mixing characteristics of spherical (AR-1) to elongated spherocylindrical particles (AR-4) of aspect ratio In simulation of AR-4 particles, single-particle and multi-particle correlations for hydrodynamic forces are tested. The results show that elongated particles have more vigorous intermixing and lower mixing times compared to spherical particles. Multi-particle correlations have a slight effect on particle mixing, and they increase the difference between AR-1 and AR-4 particles at higher gas velocities. Including hydrodynamic lift force and torque in the case of AR-4 particles leads to more vigorous mixing and lower mixing times.