Effect of Gaussian size distribution width on minimum fluidization velocity in tapered gas-solid fluidized beds

This paper investigated the effect of Gaussian distribution width, average particle diameter, particle loading, and the tapered angle on minimum fluidization velocity (U-mf) by conducting extensive experiments in tapered fluidized beds. Three powders with Gaussian size distribution and different distribution widths were used in the experiments. An increase in U-mf with increasing the average particle diameter, particle loading, and the tapered angle was observed. There was also a nonmonotonic behavior of U-mf as the Gaussian distribution width increased. An empirical correlation including dimensionless groups for predicting U-mf in tapered beds was developed in which the effect of distribution width was considered. The proposed correlation predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data, with a maximum deviation of 16.5% and average and standard deviations of, respectively, 6.4% and 7.4%. The proposed correlation was also compared with three earlier models, and their accuracy was discussed. (C) 2021 Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of Gaussian distribution width, average particle diameter, particle loading, and the tapered angle on minimum fluidization velocity in tapered fluidized beds through extensive experiments. The results showed an increase in minimum fluidization velocity with increasing average particle diameter, particle loading, and tapered angle. There was also a nonmonotonic behavior of minimum fluidization velocity as the Gaussian distribution width increased. The proposed correlation for predicting minimum fluidization velocity in tapered beds showed good agreement with experimental data and was compared with three earlier models.