Effect of particle shape on bubble dynamics in bubbling fluidized bed

Abstract

Particle shape can significantly affect the bubble dynamics of bubbling fluidized beds (BFB). In this paper, findings obtained from simulations using CFD-DEM are summarized to discuss the effect of particle shape on bubble dynamics and bubble properties such as bubble size, shape and velocity at a single orifice and uniform fluidized bed. Particles with aspect ratios at 0.5 (oblate), 1 (spherical) and 2 (prolate) are employed to represent disc-like, spherical and rod-like particles, respectively. Both single jet and uniform fluidized bed simulations demonstrate that the bubble forming/rising regions, bubble coalescence locations, and bubble splitting phenomena are significantly influenced by particle shape. The CFD-DEM results for bubble size and bubble velocity show good agreement with literature correlations.