Visualization of Fluidization and Solid-Gas (Iron Sand-Air) Flow Regimes in A Vertical Straight Tube

Abstract The aim of this research is to obtain fluidization and solid - gas flow regimes in a vertical straight tube of 24 mm in diameter. Iron-sand particles and air are utilized as the solid and gas phase respectively. The regimes of fluidization and solid-gas flow are recorded using digital camera. In general, results show that there are six regimes offluidization process i.e. fixed bed, particulate bed, bubble, slugging, turbulent bed, and fast fluidization. In addition, the solid-gas flow in a vertikal tube yields the dilute and dense phase.. Keywords: Fluidization, solid-gas flow, flow regimes

Studi Karakteristik Fluidisasi Dan Aliran Dua Fase Padat- Gas (Pasir Besi- Udara) Pada Pipa Lurus Vertikal

Fluidization and solid â gas flow have been applied in many industrial devices, e.g. fluidized bed combustor, cyclone pre-heater, electrostatic precipitator, pneumatic conveyor and solid-fuel drying installation. This research is aimed to investigate the characteristics of fluidization and solid â gas flow of iron sand â air in a vertical tube. The iron sand particles were placed in 24 mm I.D. bed column and blown by air which had 1,0 â 1,1 kg/cm\u27 in pressure and 28,75°C in average temperature. They were lifted and moved along the column. There were given some variation, i.e. bed height, particle\u27s size, hole\u27s number of the grid and superficial velocity. Pressure drop was measured by using water column manometer. Results of this research were compared to the theoretically estimation. Result shows that the minimum fluidization velocity for particles whose mean diameter of 0,1896 mm and 0,3103 mm occurs in range of 0,13 - 0,2 m/sec. Pressure drop gradient of minimum fluidization are found in range of 18 â 24 kPa/m. While, the terminal velocity occurs at 1,8 â 2,0 m/sec. Keywords: fluidization, solid-gas flow, iron sand - air, vertical straight tube, air superficial velocity, pressure dro