Prediction of equilibrium mixing state in binary particle spouted beds: Effects of solids density and diameter differences, gas velocity, and bed aspect ratio

• Mixing process is investigated for various solids and operating conditions.
• Mixing index value for various solids and bed conditions is predicted.
• Gas velocity required for achieving a specified mixing index value is predicted.
• Appropriate static bed height for achieving uniform solid mixture is determined.
• Mixing process in spouted and uniform fluidized beds is examined and compared.

The state of solids mixing can be considered as a key factor in accomplishment of high efficiency and a uniform product in gas–solid fluidized-beds operating with several different particle sizes. In the present work, coupled DEM–CFD approach was used to carefully investigate the mixing process of binary particles in flat-bottom spouted beds. In this regard, simultaneous effects of particle specifications, operating conditions, and bed dimensions on the equilibrium mixing state of solid mixture were evaluated in detail. Moreover, taking into account the contribution of various parameters, the obtained simulation results were used to draw a correlation for predicting the equilibrium mixing index of similar spouted beds. In addition, the upper limit of particle specification difference and the appropriate bed dimensions to achieve a specific mixing index value was determined. Furthermore, the performance capability of spouted and conventional gas–solid fluidized beds regarding solids mixing was compared in detail.

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