Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of the gas–particle circulation pattern within a fluidized bed granulator: By full factorial design of fluidization velocity and particle size

ABSTRACT

The fluidization velocity and mean particle size were selected to be numerically investigated pertaining to their effects on the gas–particle circulation pattern within a fluidized bed granulator by three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation applying an Eulerian–Eulerian two-fluid model. The CFD simulations were designed by full factorial design method and the developed CFD model was experimentally validated. The fluidization process was proved to reach a quasi-steady state. The gas–particle circulation pattern and particle concentration distribution were analyzed based on fluidization velocity and mean particle size. A mathematical model was developed to provide guidance on how to change fluidization level during one experiment.

KEYWORDS:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• fluidization
• fluidized bed granulator
• full factorial design
• gas–particle hydrodynamics