Enhanced fluidization of solid particles in an oscillating acoustic field

Compared with an ordinary fluidized bed, the fluidization quality of solid particles can be effectively improved by vibration induced by appropriate acoustic fields. The effects of sound on the hydrodynamic behavior of fluidized bed have been investigated under the application of acoustic fields of different intensities (110-130 dB) and frequencies (50-500 Hz). The obtained results show that the perturbation effect of the sound field on fixed-bed pressure drop becomes more significant with increasing sound pres-sure level, exerting a larger pressure than present under ordinary conditions, due to the change in particle arrangement induced by the acoustic field. Except for a particular frequency, the minimum fluidization velocity in the bed decreases gradually with the increase in the ratio of bed height to bed diameter. The rising velocity of the bubble and the average overflow velocity of residual gas in collapse tests are reduced by the acoustic field. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Society of Powder Technology Japan.

Automated summary

The fluidization quality of solid particles can be effectively improved by vibration induced by appropriate acoustic fields compared with an ordinary fluidized bed. The hydrodynamic behavior of the fluidized bed is influenced by the intensity and frequency of the acoustic fields, with increasing sound pressure level leading to a more significant perturbation effect on fixed-bed pressure drop. The minimum fluidization velocity in the bed decreases gradually with the increase in the ratio of bed height to bed diameter, except for a particular frequency. The rising velocity of the bubble and the average overflow velocity of residual gas in collapse tests are reduced by the acoustic field.