PARTICLE DISPERSION IN A BINARY SOLID-LIQUID FLUIDIZED-BED

The mixing and segregation behavior of liquid fluidized beds containing two different-sized particle species are described mathematically. This model is based on a mass balance, rather than a volume balance, which has been used by most previous researchers. The model also includes the effects of density gradients that are present in the bed. Particle dispersion coefficients in a binary-solid fluidized bed are evaluated using this model. Further, a correlation that allows the calculation of these particle dispersion coefficients is presented, which describes not only dispersion coefficients calculated using the above model, but also those presented by other researchers. It is applicable over a broad range of variables of practical interest and is based on relevant dimensionless parameters to account for the influence of important particle and fluid properties on the particle dispersion characteristics.