Characterization of the pneumatic behavior of a novel spouted bed apparatus with two adjustable gas inlets

Recently the importance of spouted bed technology has significantly increased in the context of drying processes as well as granulation, agglomeration or coating processes. Within this work the fluid dynamics of a novel spouted bed plant with two adjustable gas inlets is investigated. By analysis of gas phase pressure fluctuation spectra by means of fast Fourier transformation algorithm and quantitative particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements, different operation ranges will be identified and depicted graphically. A stable spouting range will be identified if a uniform and circulating particle motion without occurrence of dead zones is observable resulting in equal gas phase pressure fluctuations. Particle velocity vector maps as well as root mean square (rms) velocity plots provided by the PIV measurements confirm the results of the determination of the stable spouting range by analysis of the gas phase pressure fluctuations. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.