Agglomerate Sizes of Binary Nanoparticle Mixtures in a Vibro-Fluidized Bed

Agglomerate size is one of the key factors influencing the fluidization behavior of nanoparticles. The effect of fluidization time, superficial gas velocity, and vibration frequency on agglomerate sizes for different binary mixtures of nanoparticles at the top of the bed was investigated in a vibrated fluidized bed (VFB). The agglomerate sizes decreased and fluidization quality was significantly enhanced owing to introduction of vibration energy. The Richardson-Zaki equation combined with Stokes' law permitted the prediction of mean agglomerate sizes. Experimental and estimated results indicated that vibration led to a smaller agglomerate size. The mean predicted agglomerate sizes were in agreement with those determined experimentally in the VFB.