Simulation of Nanoparticle Agglomerate Fluidization Based on Continuum Theory of Cohesive Particles

Nanoparticles are usually fluidized as agglomerates, which are in dynamic states of agglomeration and fragmentation. It is critical to consider the size distribution of agglomerates in modeling of the fluidization of nanoparticle agglomerates. In this article, the fluidization behavior of nanoparticle agglomerates is investigated using a two-fluid model─population balance model. The model includes the agglomeration and breakage kernel functions based on the continuum theory of cohesive particles developed by Kellogg et al. (J. Fluid Mech. 2017;832:345–382). The ratio of the critical breakage velocity to the critical agglomeration velocity is defined to represent the cohesion of nanoparticles. The predictions of bed pressure drop, bed expansion ratio, and bed collapse curves agree well with those of experiments. By changing the critical agglomeration velocity and the ratio between the critical velocities, the transition from almost defluidization to uniform fluidization is predicted. Finally, the model's ability to simulate the fluidization of fine particles with a few micrometers is also shown. This study provides a practical tool for simulating the fluidization of nanoparticle agglomerates.