The effect of multi-staged swirling fluidized bed on air flow distribution

Abstract

Fluidization is characterized as an activity that transforms fine solids into a liquidstate via contact with either a gas or a liquid. Currently, Swirling Fluidized Bed (SFB) is one of the new system that contribute on flow mixing to the beds due to the gas source which impart on the solid particles. Further the fluidized beds system are used mostly in the chemical process industry, mineral processing, processes energy and etc. Based on the current fluidized bed system there are still lacking in reducing high pressure drop and keep the energy consumption at high efficient condition. Due to this tips, the conceptual design of a multi-stages SFB was proposed to improve fluidization quality and minimize elutriation at the same time without requiring any extra facilities. By using the simulation method (Ansys Fluent) the behavior of velocity component via selected configuration of fix blades number (30) and through to variant of blade horizontal inclination angle (10°, 12° & 15°) the multi-stage SFB will be investigate. Aims of this study is to identify the air flow behavior at first and second stage blade distributor. Therefore, effect with less blades number in producing on high uniformity velocity would be acquired. The present study has found that by using blade inclination angle of 10° the high velocity magnitude (more than 60 m/s) at two different level of stage distributor can be reached. Moreover, it clearly be seen at blade inclination angle, 15° the velocity uniformity was sustain at certain width and less superficial velocity value occurred compared to other configurations.