Three-dimensional multi-phase simulation of the mixing and segregation of binary particle mixtures in a two-jet spout fluidized bed

• A three-fluid model was developed to investigate hydrodynamics in a two-jet spout fluidized bed.
• Simulations were performed in three-dimensional domains.
• Mixing and segregation mechanism for binary particle mixtures was analyzed.

This study presents a three-dimensional numerical study of the mixing and segregation of binary particle mixtures in a two-jet spout fluidized bed based on an Eulerian–Eulerian three-fluid model. Initially, the particle mixtures were premixed and packed in a rectangular fluidized bed. As the calculation began, the gas stream was injected into the bed from the distributor and jet nozzles. The model was validated by comparing the simulated jet penetration depths with corresponding experimental data. The main features of the complex gas–solid flow behaviors and the mechanism of mixing and segregation of the binary mixtures were analyzed. Moreover, further simulations were carried out to evaluate the effects of operating conditions on the mixing and segregation of binary particle mixtures. The results illustrate that mixing can be enhanced by increasing the jet velocity or enlarging the difference of initial proportions of binary particle mixtures.

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