Gas pulsation-assisted fluidization of cohesive micron powder
An X-ray imaging study
Kaiqiao Wu (Guangdong University of Technology, TU Delft - ChemE/Product and Process Engineering)
Rens Kamphorst (TU Delft - ChemE/Product and Process Engineering)
P. Christian van der Sande (TU Delft - ChemE/Product and Process Engineering)
E. C. Wagner (TU Delft - ChemE/O&O groep)
GMH Meesters (TU Delft - ChemE/Product and Process Engineering)
Jan Rudolf Van Ommen (TU Delft - ChemE/Product and Process Engineering)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Conventional fluidization of cohesive powders is challenging due to their strong interparticle forces, often requiring assistance methods. In this study, the hydrodynamics of pulsed and vibrated beds of cohesive Geldart C silica powder (Sauter mean diameter d32=7.9μm) in a 19.2cm diameter column were investigated using X-ray imaging. The results show that low-frequency, moderate-amplitude gas pulsation improves fluidization by disrupting long, persistent gas channels. Higher-frequency pulsation is dampened throughout the bed, resulting in negligible improvement over unassisted systems. When coupled with mechanical vibration, gas pulsation slightly mitigates solid compaction at the bottom section, but the overall flow pattern remains largely unchanged compared to vibration alone. The findings highlight the potential of integrating gas pulsation with other assistance methods to enhance fluidization in practical applications.
help_outline