Comparison of DEM simulation and experiments in a dual-column slot-rectangular spouted bed with a suspended partition

•A CFD–DEM model for DSRSB was developed.•Partition position had a minor effect on particle velocity and voidage.•Profiles of particle velocity and voidage were studied.•A dilute core and a dense annulus were shown by the voidage profiles.•Solids exchanged between chambers was quantitatively determined.

Three-dimensional gas–solid flow in a dual-column slot-rectangular spouted bed (DSRSB) with a suspended partition was studied experimentally and numerically. Predictions from the coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD–DEM) were compared with experimental measurements based on pressure transducers and an optical fibre probe. The suspended partition position had little effect on particle velocity and voidage under stable spouting conditions. The predicted total pressure drops were in reasonable agreement with experimental values. For steady spouting, particle velocity and bed voidage were strongly influenced by static bed height. Solids exchange between the two chambers was modelled. The solids exchange rate decreased slightly with time as predicted by the DEM model. Raising the suspended partition facilitated solids exchange between the chambers. Measured profiles of pressure, voidage and particle velocity were in good agreement with simulation predictions, demonstrating the capability of the numerical model for predicting such flows.