Bubble formation at a single orifice in a 2D gas-fluidized bed

Insight on micro bubbling mechanism in a 2D fluidized bed with Group D particles

By CFD-DEM simulations, the present work is aimed to investigate the transient gas-solid bubbling mechanisms along a whole bubble lifecycle in a 2D fluidized bed from a micro perspective. Systemic comparisons with CCD measurements confirm the validity of current simulations. Afterward, the manner of particle motion and its driving mechanisms at various stages are investigated. In order to do that, external forces are analyzed at an individual particle level, including the drag, pressure gradient force, and their resultant acceleration together with gravity. Many interesting findings have been achieved. For example, a switch in directions of drag and pressure gradient forces at the root of an initial bubble enables its detachment. And, regarding their contributions to the burst of a bubble, the drag force is several times of the pressure gradient forces. Present efforts help to offer a novel view of particle dynamics during the bubbling fluidization.

Effect of particle shape on bubble dynamics in bubbling fluidized bed

Particle shape can significantly affect the bubble dynamics of bubbling fluidized beds (BFB). In this paper, findings obtained from simulations using CFD-DEM are summarized to discuss the effect of particle shape on bubble dynamics and bubble properties such as bubble size, shape and velocity at a single orifice and uniform fluidized bed. Particles with aspect ratios at 0.5 (oblate), 1 (spherical) and 2 (prolate) are employed to represent disc-like, spherical and rod-like particles, respectively. Both single jet and uniform fluidized bed simulations demonstrate that the bubble forming/rising regions, bubble coalescence locations, and bubble splitting phenomena are significantly influenced by particle shape. The CFD-DEM results for bubble size and bubble velocity show good agreement with literature correlations.