Computer simulation of isothermal fluidization in large‐scale laboratory rigs

Abstract

Abstract Finite‐difference computer models have been used by several investigators to predict hydrodynamic mixing in fluidized beds. In the present study the finite‐difference model CHEMFLUB is used to simulate cold, isothermal mixing in axisymmetric fluidized beds. The bed geometries and the operating conditions are based upon those of two large‐scale laboratory cold flow rigs. The finite‐difference model is an iterative, implicit formulation to solve continuum equations describing the gas and particle dynamics of fluidization. Comparisons with experimental data are presented. It is shown that the model provides a good prediction of jet penetration height, bubble frequency, and bubble velocity.