Fluidization at vacuum conditions. A generalized equation for the prediction of minimum fluidization velocity

The hydrodynamical behaviour of fluidized beds at reduced pressures is studied. The minimum fluidization velocity is strongly influenced by pressure, decreasing as pressure increases. The well-known equation of Wen and Yu and two equations proposed for the calculation of u(mf) at reduced pressures are tested; the comparison with experimental data shows that they can be applied only over restricted pressure ranges. The relationship between how rate, pressure and pressure drop at conditions ranging from high vacuum to high pressure is analysed for the different flow regimes (molecular, slip, laminar, transition and turbulent). A generalized equation is found which predicts fairly well the value of u(mf) at vacuum conditions, atmospheric pressure and high pressures. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd