Fluid dynamic analysis and residence time distribution determination for rectangular based spouted beds

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 380; pp. 385 - 393
• Main Authors: Pailahueque, N., Reyes, A., Henríquez-Vargas, L., Gil, M., Castro, P., Bubnovich, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01-03-2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Air flow; Continuous operation; Feed rate; Fluid dynamics; Image analysis; Image processing; Moisture content; Pressure drop; Residence time distribution; Sawdust; Seeds; Spouted bed; Spouted beds; Water content; Residence time distribution; Continuous operation; Spouted bed
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2020.10.064

Fluid dynamic characterization for a set of three serial rectangular based spouted beds (RBSB) using sawdust or turnip seeds, were made. In batch experiences, the minimum spouting velocity (Ums) and the maximum pressure drop (ΔPmax) were determined based on the bed height and moisture content. With respect to the continuous solid feed experiences, initially the conditions that allowed the stationary operation for 1, 2 and 3 beds connected in series, were determined. Following, injecting colored particles and with an image analysis it was possible to determine the residence time distribution (RTD). When compared with expressions from literature, good agreement was found for Ums, whereas for ΔPmax an expression is proposed that includes the sphericity of the particles. The RTDs were adjusted with the tank in series model, finding that the effects of solids feed rate, air flow and moisture content are significant for each solid RTD.
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•Determination of fluid dynamic parameters and adjustment of a proposed correlation.•RTD for sawdust and turnip seeds determined experimentally through image processing.•Effect of operational variables of sawdust on its mean residence times.•Effect of the number of RBSB connected in series on the RTD was determined.