SPOUTING OF 2-DIMENSIONAL BEDS WITH DRAFT PLATES

Two slotted two-dimensional spouted bed units with flexible bed dimensions were used with draft plates to study spouting pressure drop and minimum spouting superficial velocity. The data were collected while varying slant angle, spout width, separation distance, length of bed, height of bed, and size of bed (geometrical similarity) using shelled com, soybean, and wheat. The variables which affect the spouting pressure drop and air flow through the beds are discussed. Empirical correlations are developed following the principles of dimensional analysis and similitude. The developed correlations agree closely with the collected data.