Particle transport in fluidized beds: experiments and stochastic models

Fluidization is a process in which solids are caused to behave like fluid by blowing gas or liquid upwards through the solid-filled reactor. The behavior of a bed of particles within the reactor during the process is very complex and difficult to predict. To make sure that a fluidized bed reactor is optimally efficient, normally a pilot model of the proposed reactor is made and tested before an actual reactor is built. Alternatively, a mathematical model can be used to investigate performance of the planned reactor. Physical modeling using a pilot reactor can be expensive, time consuming, and its accuracy may suffer from scaling problems. On the other hand, mathematical modeling is economical, convenient, but accuracy of the performance prediction is the primary concern. ... Zie: Summary