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particles and break down the residual packing and interlocking of particles
OBJECTIVES
There are three objectives of doing the fluidization experiment:
∗ To determine the pressure drop and bed expansion through a fixed and
fluidized bed.
∗ To verify the Ergun equation (1952), Wen & Yu equation (1966) and
Baeyens & Geldart equation (1977).
∗ To observe the onset of fluidization
THEORY
a)Pressure drop across the bed,∆ P
In order to determine the pressure drop through a fixed bed fro any flow
condition, the Ergun equation (1952) can be used:
PROCEDURE
1.
Firstly, identify the apparatus used for the experiment whether it is in good
condition or else it might affect the data taken from the experiment.
2.
Then, the column of the fluidized bed is filled to a height of 150 mm with the
coarse grade sand.
3.
Next, switch on the air pump and the control valve is adjusted to give the flow rate
of 2.0 l/min.
4.
The flow rate is then increased by 1.0l/min.
5.
The bed expansion, manometer reading and the state of the bed is recorded in each
of the increasing flow rate.
6.
The entire experiment is repeated by using Ballotini and Glutinous flour.
7.
Lastly, the volume of the particles is taken by weighing it, in order to determine the
bulk particle density.
8.
All data are recorded in tables form for easier observations.
APPARATUS
DISCUSSIONS
Fluidization is a process when a fluid is passed upward trough a bed of particlesthe
pressure loss in the fluid due to the frictional resistance with increases with increasingfluid flow.
A point is reached when the upward drag force exerted by the fluid on theparticles is equal to the
apparent weight of particles in the bed. At this point the particlesare lifted by the fluid, the
separation of the particle increases, and the bed becomefluidized. The superficial fluid velocity at
which the packed bed becomes a fluidized bedis known as the minimum fluidization velocity.
This velocity increases with particle sizeand particle density and is affected by fluid properties.
For the first types of particles which is coarse grade sand, the graph shows a
littleincreasementin the pressure drop when the superficial velocity gas also increase.
Thefluidization starts when it reaches minimum fluidization velocity which is about 0.0715m/s.
The second type is finer sand or ballotini, from the graph we can saw that thepressure
drop also increase as the superficial gas velocity increased. For this case, theminimum
fluidization velocity is 0.0682m/s. For this two types of particles, bubblescontinue to grow, never
achieving a maximum size.
Lastly is the glutinous flour, fluidization did not occur in this case. The bed
notexpanding and resist aeration. This is because the flour is cohesive and the structure is
sostrong upon fluidization. Beside that, it also because the interaction force between theparticles
is strong if compared to the hydronamic force by the fluiding gas.
For Glutinous Flour, fluidization did not occur because group C particles
exhibitcohesive tendencies. The structures are so strong which upon fluidization, cracks and
rathole is form and at a given pressure different, the bed not expanding and resist aeration.16
Other than that, it is very difficult to fluidize because the inter particle forces is higher
than hydrodynamic forces exerted on the particles by the fluidizing gas. However, group
C fluidization can be improved by mechanical help such as include a vibrator or a mixer.
Lastly, for bed voidage at minimum fluidization velocity, εmf for sand is 0.321387
while εmf for Ballotini is 0.383097. This shows that bed voidage for Ballotini is higher and
makes it more porous than sand.
CONCLUSIONS
1.
The minimum fluidizing velocity, Umf for coarse grade sand is 0.0715m/s while Umf
for Ballotini is 0.0682m/s.
2.
The voidage at minimum fluidizing velocity,εmf for coarse grade sand is 0.321387
whileεmf for Ballotini is 0.383097.
3.
The bed expansion and the pressure drop of the particle are proportional to the
superficial velocity of the gas supply
Students should be able to utilize appropriate conversion factors to ensure
consistency of units when making calculations.
∗
Students should read and have a brief idea of what is going on in the
experiment by reading the lab manual or other reference book for better
understanding.
∗
Make sure that the apparatus is in good condition for better operation.
REFERENCES
1.Fluidized beds Combustion and Applications.
Edited by J.R.Howard,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Aston in Birmingham,
United Kingdom.
Applied Science Publishers London and New York.
2.
Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, Seventh Edition
Edited by Robert H. Perry and Don W. Green,
McGraw-Hill International Edition,
Chemical Engineering Series.