Fluid Dynamics of Fluidized and Vibrofluidized Beds Operating with Geldart C Particles

The fluid dynamic behavior of a vibrofluidized bed operating with Geldart C particles was studied. The experiments were conducted in order to observe the influence of amplitude, frequency, and dimensionless vibration number on the minimum fluidization velocity, pressure drop, and standard deviation obtained. It was noted that the dimensionless vibration number should be used very carefully if it is to be the unique parameter to set the vibrational effect of the bed fluid dynamics. The results clearly indicate that the fluid dynamic behavior of the bed is very dependent on the different combinations of amplitude and frequency for the same dimensionless vibration number. Therefore, the use of the amplitude or frequency of vibration and the dimensionless vibration number is recommended for a better characterization of the vibrational effects on the fluid dynamic behavior of the particle bed.