Minimum fluidization velocities for gas-solid 2D beds

The purpose of this study is to present some new data to estimate minimum fluidization velocity (u(mf)) in a two-dimensional bed. When investigating fluidodynamics with a fluidized bed, a fixed normalised parameter is needed. This parameter stands for the degree of mixing and its outcome between the phases. It is well known that the minimum fluidization velocity is normally used to represent the transition from fixed to fluidized bed conditions. Fluidization experiments with different height and weight bed and for different particle sizes were carried out in a two-dimensional fluidized bed. Minimum fluidization velocity was found to be a function of bed weight, particle diameter and column width. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.