Particle simulation of vibrated gas-fluidized beds of cohesive fine powders

Publication Year
2006

Type

Journal Article
Abstract

We have used three-dimensional particle dynamics simulations, coupled with volume-averaged gas phase hydrodynamics, to study vertically vibrated gas-fluidized beds of fine, cohesive powders. The volume- averaged interstitial gas flow is restricted to be one-dimensional ( 1D). This simplified model captures the spontaneous development of 1D traveling waves, which corresponds to bubble formation in real fluidized beds. We have used this model to probe the manner in which vibration and gas flow combine to influence the dynamics of cohesive particles. We have found that, as the gas flow rate increases, cyclic pressure pulsation produced by vibration becomes more and more significant than direct impact, and in a fully fluidized bed, this pulsation is virtually the only relevant mechanism. We demonstrate that vibration assists fluidization by creating large tensile stresses during transient periods, which helps break up the cohesive assembly into agglomerates.

Journal
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume
45
Issue
21
Pages
6966-6977
Date Published
10/2006
ISBN
0888-5885
Short Title
Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.