Kinetic theory-based numerical modeling and analysis of bi-disperse segregated mixture fluidized bed

• Published in: Powder technology 2017-09, Vol.319 (C), p.71-91
• Main Authors: Konan, N.A., Huckaby, E.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: analysis of bi-disperse segregated mixture; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Correlation analysis; Drag; Drag laws; Fluid flow; Fluidized bed; Fluidized beds; Geldart D particles; Kinetic theory; Kinetic theory-based numerical modeling; Kinetics; Mathematical models; MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING; Mixing; Particle size; Particle size distribution; Poly-dispersion; Powder; Predictions; Response time; Reynolds number; Segregation; Simulation; Size distribution; Statistical analysis; Time lag
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2017.06.040

We discuss a series of continuum Euler-Euler simulations of an initially mixed bi-disperse fluidized bed which segregates under certain operating conditions. The simulations use the multi-phase kinetic theory-based description of the momentum and energy exchanges between the phases by Simonin's Group [see e.g. Gourdel, Simonin and Brunier (1999). Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Circulating Fluidized Beds, Germany, pp. 205–210]. The discussion and analysis of the results focus on the fluid-particle momentum exchange (i.e. drag). Simulations using mono- and poly-disperse fluid-particle drag correlations are analyzed for the Geldart D-type size bi-disperse gas-solid experiments performed by Goldschmidt et al. [Powder Tech., pp. 135–159 (2003)]. The poly-disperse gas-particle drag correlations account for the local particle size distribution by using an effective mixture diameter when calculating the Reynolds number and then correcting the resulting force coefficient. Simulation results show very good predictions of the segregation index for bi-disperse beds with the mono-disperse drag correlations contrary to the poly-disperse drag correlations for which the segregation rate is systematically under-predicted. The statistical analysis of the results shows a clear separation in the distribution of the gas-particle mean relaxation times of the small and large particles with simulations using the mono-disperse drag. In contrast, the poly-disperse drag simulations have a significant overlap and also a smaller difference in the mean particle relaxation times. This results in the small and large particles in the bed to respond to the gas similarly without enough relative time lag. The results suggest that the difference in the particle response time induce flow dynamics favorable to a force imbalance which results in the segregation. [Display omitted] •Segregation prediction strongly depends on the fluid-particle drag model.•Bed segregation predicted by mono-disperse drag closely agrees with experiments.•Poly-disperse fluid-particle drag systematically under-predicts segregation rate.•Mono-disperse drag yields larger time separation between small and large particles.•Similar mean relaxation times for large and small particles with poly-disperse drag