GAS SPOUTING CHARACTERISTICS OF FINE PARTICLES

In this communication observed properties of gas-spouted beds of fine particles are reported. A discussion is presented of gas flow distribution, spout diameter, fountain height, and, particle circulation. Aside from a difference in the steady spouting termination mechanism (overloading of the spout rather than fluidization of the annulus) for fine as opposed to coarse particle spouting, the most obvious other difference displayed by fine particle spouting is the presence of a large stagnant solids zone at the lower outer periphery of the annulus, even with a 60 degree conical (rather than a flat) base. Other observed differences from coarse particle spouting can be related either to the different termination mechanism left bracket which accounts, for lowering of U//a(H//M)/U//m//f (Chandnani and Epstein, 1986) right bracket or to the presence of the stagnant solids zone and its changing size.