Hydrodynamics of unconventional fluidized beds: solids flow patterns and their influence on mixing/segregation of a large flotsam particle in a bed of finer solids

Gross solids circulation of solid phase and its influence on mixing/segregation of a large flotsam particle in beds of finer solids in unconventional fluidized beds has been investigated. A tapered two-dimensional fluidization column and a fluidization column equipped with a diverging cone as gas distributor have been adopted. The hydrodynamics of the gas-solid suspension in the two apparatus has been qualitatively assessed by visual observation and the trajectories of the centre-of-gravity of large flotsam particles have been evaluated to assess the extent of mixing/segregation.