Numerical simulation on distribution characteristics of flexible filamentous particles in a fluidized bed dryer

Distribution characteristics of flexible filamentous particles are investigated in a fluidized bed dryer. The gas–solid two-phase flow in the riser was simulated by Euler–Lagrange method to capture fluidization behavior. Namely, the air flow was defined as continuous phase and the individual flexible filamentous particle was simulated with the chain model. Then the dynamic characteristics of particle distribution in the riser were investigated numerically and experimentally, and the influences of fluidization parameters on particle distribution characteristics were discussed in detail. The research results show that the distribution of flexible filamentous particles in the riser is not uniform, and the formation and development of local regions with higher particle concentration or particle clusters could be found. Furthermore, the gas flow rate and the material flow rate have profound influence on the fluidization behavior and the distribution characteristics of particles. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental findings. Therefore, the simulation model is valid to predict the dynamic behavior of flexible filamentous particles.

Graphical abstractFluidization behavior of flexible filamentous particles in a fluidized bed riser was investigated numerically and experimentally to investigate the distribution characteristics. Euler–Lagrange method was used for stimulation, which indicates the uneven distribution and cluster existence [in Fig. 1]. Reasonable agreements could be obtained from the relative experiments. The method could provide useful ways for further study of the particles. Fig. 1. Particle distribution variations with time in the riser.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide