The distributor plate effects on the hydrodynamic characteristics of turbulent fluidized beds are investigated
by obtaining measurements of pressure and radial voidage profiles in a column diameter of 0.29 m with
Group A particles using bubble bubble-cap or perforated plate distributors. Distributor pressure drop
measurements between the two distributors are compared with the theoretical estimations while the
influence of the mass inventory is studied. Comparison is established for the transition velocity from
bubbling to turbulent regime, Uc, deduced from the pressure fluctuations in the bed using gauge pressure
measurements. The effect of the distributor on the flow structure near the bottom region of the bed is studied
using differential and gauge pressure transducers located at different axial positions along the bed. The radial
voidage profile in the bed is also measured using optical fiber probes, which provide local measurements of
the voidage at different heights above the distributor. The distributor plate has a significant effect on the bed
hydrodynamics. Owing to the jetting caused by the perforated plate distributor, earlier onset of the transition
to the turbulent fluidization flow regime was observed. Moreover, increased carry over for the perforated
plate compared with the bubble caps has been confirmed. The results have highlighted the influence of the
distributor plate on the fluidized bed hydrodynamics which has consequences in terms of comparing
experimental and simulation results between different distributor platesPublicad
