Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of the gas-particle circulation pattern within a fluidized bed granulator: By full factorial design of fluidization velocity and particle size

• Published in: Drying technology 2017-07, Vol.35 (9), p.1043-1058
• Main Authors: Liu, Huolong, Yoon, Seongkyu, Li, Mingzhong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circulation; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Factorial design; Fluid dynamics; Fluidization; Fluidized bed combustion; fluidized bed granulator; Fluidized beds; full factorial design; gas-particle hydrodynamics; Granulation; Hydrodynamics; Mathematical models; Particle size; Particle size distribution; Steady state; Three dimensional models; Velocity
• ISSN: 0737-3937; 1532-2300
• DOI: 10.1080/07373937.2016.1230628

The fluidization velocity and mean particle size were selected to be numerically investigated pertaining to their effects on the gas-particle circulation pattern within a fluidized bed granulator by three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation applying an Eulerian-Eulerian two-fluid model. The CFD simulations were designed by full factorial design method and the developed CFD model was experimentally validated. The fluidization process was proved to reach a quasi-steady state. The gas-particle circulation pattern and particle concentration distribution were analyzed based on fluidization velocity and mean particle size. A mathematical model was developed to provide guidance on how to change fluidization level during one experiment.