Publications

Gas-Solids Flow Behavior from X-ray Computed Tomography and Pressure Fluctuation Measurements in Various Fluidized Bed Systems

Wu, B., Yu, G., Bellehumeur, C. and Kantzas, A.

DOI:
5th World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography, Bergen, Norway, September 3-6, 2007.

ABSTRACT

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) was used to visualize the bubbling behavior of the polyethylene powder in Plexiglas columns with diameter of 10cm, 20cm, and 30cm and column height of 100cm. CT images at different bed heights were obtained over a broad range of gas (air) velocities under ambient conditions. Based on the processed images, the cross-sectional average voidage distribution and annular average voidage along radial varying with the bed heights and the superficial velocities were extracted. Results from CT images were generally consistent with those from pressure fluctuation measurements along the column wall. This ensures the possibility of monitoring fluidization state in fluidized bed reactors.

A full version of this paper is available on ISIPT Online.