Prediction of distribution behavior of particles with wide size distribution in baffled fluidized beds

Multi-baffle fluidized beds are recognized as efficient for controlling the difference in the mean residence time (MRT) of particles with a wide size distribution (WSD). Modeling the MRT of the particles of the each size is of great importance in the design of baffled fluidized beds for various applications. An analogy to the gas-liquid distillation model, based on the relative elutriation degree, was proposed herein for predicting the MRT of the particles of each size. The model was validated by comparison of the predicted and measured composition of the particles of each size in baffle-free and baffled fluidized beds. Moreover, the effects of the gas velocity, number of baffles, and baffle structure on the difference in the MRT for the WSD particles were investigated by applying the proposed model. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.