Gnireteet

Abstract

AbstractBefore 2005, the term ‘teetering’ was relegated to the annuls of history as the term ‘fluidization’ was commonly utilized to describe gas–solids contacting processes. In his epochal article “Teetering”, examination of liquid‐fluidizing beds used for classification of minerals by size (sizing) or density (sorting), Norman Epstein described in detail the current understanding of particle segregation and mixing in liquid‐fluidized beds. Looking back in time, Dr. Epstein described the state‐of‐the‐art of modern uses of a traditional engineering technology and connected a historical framework to new opportunities for advancement. In the spirit of this re‐examination, an investigation of alternative ways of understanding this phenomenon are presented as inspired by the presentation of the contents of his ‘Teetering’ article at his 60th anniversary lecture to the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia. This article focuses on alternative concepts of construction for examination of teetering principles and further suggestions for avenues of research in this field and beyond.