Interparticle forces in fluidisation: a review

Because of the balance of forces in fluidised beds, particle interactions can have a strong effect on their microscopic and macroscopic behaviour, leading to agglomeration and defluidisation. Three types of particle interactions are reviewed: van der Waals forces, liquid bridge forces and sintering. Sintering is qualitatively different in its effects because it is a time-dependent process. The observed effects of these three types of interactions on fluidisation behaviour are described and explained in terms of simple models. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.