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Fluidization: Unit Operation

Fluidization is a method where a fluid passes upwards through a bed of granular solids, causing the bed to expand and take on fluid-like properties. There are two main types of fluidization: 1) chemical reactions and catalysis and 2) physical and mechanical processes. At a certain fluid flow rate, the granules in a packed bed will begin to move within the bed, reaching a minimum fluidization point. Above this point, the behavior changes from particulate fluidization at low velocities to aggregative fluidization at high velocities, where two phases form. The minimum fluidizing velocity can be calculated using equations that take into account variables like particle size and density.

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Hamzah A. Lafta
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64 views5 pages

Fluidization: Unit Operation

Fluidization is a method where a fluid passes upwards through a bed of granular solids, causing the bed to expand and take on fluid-like properties. There are two main types of fluidization: 1) chemical reactions and catalysis and 2) physical and mechanical processes. At a certain fluid flow rate, the granules in a packed bed will begin to move within the bed, reaching a minimum fluidization point. Above this point, the behavior changes from particulate fluidization at low velocities to aggregative fluidization at high velocities, where two phases form. The minimum fluidizing velocity can be calculated using equations that take into account variables like particle size and density.

Uploaded by

Hamzah A. Lafta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit OperatiOn

Fluidization
Fluidization is a method of contacting granular solids with fluid
( where the fluid passes upwards through the bed ) .

The application of fluidization falls into one of two general


classes :
1- Chemical reactions catalysis .
2- Physical and mechanical processes .
The fluidized bed has similar properties to those of fluid ,
therefore , it is considered to be " rendered fluid " .Hence the
operation achieving this termed " fluidization " .

 At a certain rate of fluid flow , a packed bed of granular


solid will expand to such a point that the granules may
move within the bed . This condition is known as the
onset (incipient ) of fluidization , or the min. fluidization
point .
Fig.

Lecturer . Shymaa Ali Hameed 2013-2014


Unit OperatiOn

 At a velocities higher than min. press. Gradient in bed as a


function of fluid velocity fluidizing velocity (Umf) , there is
a fairly sharp distinction between the be haviour in the two
cases :
1- Particulate fluidization – with a liq. ( or with a gas at
relatively low velocities ) , the bed continues to expand
as the velocity is increased and it maintains its uniform
character with the amount of agitation of the press. drop
over fixed and fluidized bed particles increasing
progressively .
2- Aggregative fluidization – occurs at high gas velocities
,two separate phaves are formed , the continuous phase
which is often referred to as the dense or emulsion , and
the dis continues phase known as the lean or babble
phase .
 The Froude number = gives a criterion from
which the type of fluidization can be predicted .
Here Umf is the min. superficial velocity of flow ( min.
fluidizing velocity )
d: is the dia. of particles.
g : is accerelation due to gravity .
Fr < 1 ; particulate fluidization .
Fr > 1 ; aggregative fluidization .

Minimum fluidizing velocity (Umf)

If a fluid in laminar flow is passed upwards through a


static packed bed of solid particles , the press. gradient is
given by kozeny eq.

Lecturer . Shymaa Ali Hameed 2013-2014


Unit OperatiOn
3
∆ 1
= ( ) -------- (1) kozeny's eq.
" (1− )2 2

As the fluid velocity is increased appoint reached when the


viscous frictional and drag forces on the particles in the
fluid stream . This is the start fluidization and a force
balance gives :

∆ = (1 − )( − ) . --------------------(2)

Where :
, : are the densities of the solid and fluid
respectively . combine eq.s (1) and (2) to give

( )
= "
[( )
] ------------------(3)

Where :
K" is usually about (5)
For spherical particles
S = 6/d
and eq.(3) can be written
( )
= [ ( )
] -------------------(4)

At the point of incipient fluidization , the min. fluidizing


velocity (Umf) is obtained by substituting the appropriate
value of voidage (emf) in eq.(4)
( )
= [ ] --------------(5)

Lecturer . Shymaa Ali Hameed 2013-2014


Unit OperatiOn
Values of emf will vary considerably from powder to
powder , but a typical value for a bed of isometric particles
is (0.4) substituting this value :
( )
( ) . = ------------(6)laminar
.

For larger particles , where the point of incipient fluidisation


is no longer streamline , it is necessary to use one of the more
general equations for the pressure gradient in the bed, such as
the Ergun equation :
∆ ( )
= 150 . + 1.75 . ----(7) Ergun eq.

Substituting for (∆ ⁄ ) from eq. (2) and multiplying both side


by :

( )
1− ( − ). = 150 . + 1.75 .

Multiplying both side by gives :


( )

( ) .
= 150( ). ( )+ ( ) -------(8)

Eq.(8) can be solved to give Umf explicitly , noting that


( )
= Ga ( Galileo number )

= Re'mf (Reynolds number at the minimum fluidizing velocity)


Eq.(8) then becomes :

.
= 150( ). +
For a typical value of ( emf = 0.4 ) :

+ 51.4 − 0.0366 =0
Lecturer . Shymaa Ali Hameed 2013-2014
Unit OperatiOn
Thus
( ) . = 25.7 (1 + 5.53 ∗ 10 )−1

Note :
( )
= for a bed uniform cross sectional area
( )

Lecturer . Shymaa Ali Hameed 2013-2014

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