A novel method for evaluation of spatial characteristics in a gas solid separation fluidized bed

Abstract

This study investigates the complex spatial characteristics of a gas-solid dense-phase fluidized bed for a separation system. A custom-designed perspex bed, equipped with multi small holes and different distributors, was used to explore gas-solid suspension characteristics. The results show that there is a certain spatial heterogeneity in the density of the gas-solid separation fluidized bed. The spatial heterogeneity of gas-solid fluidized beds is characterized by global and local dependence. An empirical model that predicts the relative solid mass flow rate was proposed. GeoDetector technology (including a factor detector, interaction detector, risk detector, and ecological detector) was first introduced to quantify the spatial characteristics of a gas-solid fluidized bed. The influence of each factor on the spatial heterogeneity of particle solid mass flow rate follows the order: axial position > gas velocity > radial position > air distributor. The interactive relationship between variables on the spatial characteristics of gas-solid separation fluidization shows a nonlinear enhancement.

Graphical Abstract

HIGHLIGHTS

• GeoDetector was used to reveal the dominant factor in a gas-solid fluidized bed.

• Gas-solid fluidized has global and local dependence on spatial heterogeneity.

• An empirical model that predicts the relative solid mass flow rate is proposed.

• The axial position has a direct effect on the spatial heterogeneity in the bed.

Keywords:

• Gas-solid separation fluidized bed
• gas-solid suspension
• GeoDetector
• spatial characteristics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51974306, 52274275, 51904298, and 51620105001) and the Inner Mongolia Key Project of China (No. 2021EEDSCXSFQZD007).