Fluid bed characterization using Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT), compared to CPFD Software's Barracuda

• Published in: Powder technology 2013-12, Vol.250, p.138-146
• Main Authors: Weber, Justin M., Layfield, Ky J., Van Essendelft, Dirk T., Mei, Joseph S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Barracuda; capacitance; Chemical engineering; Computational fluid dynamics; computer software; ECVT; Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography; Exact sciences and technology; Fluidization; fluidized beds; glass; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; Miscellaneous; Multiphase flow; Solid-solid systems; tomography
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2013.10.005

Being able to accurately predict the performance and operation of multiphase flow systems continues to be a significant challenge. In order to continue the advancement of knowledge and to develop better models, a 10cm diameter fluidized bed of 185μm glass beads was used along with an Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) sensor and high speed pressure measurements. Three dimensional images of the gas–solid flow structure were obtained and analyzed as well as frequency information from the high speed pressure transducers. The experimental data was then compared to four computational models performed with CPFD Software's Barracuda code exploring different techniques to handle the perforated distributor plate. [Display omitted] •Barracuda CFD model results were compared to ECVT and pressure measurements.•Four different methods were used to model the distributor plate.•The results indicate that modeling the plenum produces the most accurate model as compared to experiments.