Radial Bubble Distribution in a Fluidized Bed with Vertical Tubes

The radial distribution of bubble characteristics such as the bubble frequency, the bubble size, and the bubble rise velocity, is a key to better understanding the flow patterns of gas (and solids) in bubbling fluidized beds. Therefore, the radial distribution of bubble characteristics is investigated in a fluidized bed with vertical tubes by means of optical probes. Measurements are taken for Geldart B particles at two bed heights, three gas velocities, and three vertical tube bank configurations. While the bubble frequency shows a strong dependence on the radial position in the bed and the orientation of the vertical tubes, the bubble size and the bubble rise velocity, in particular in the lower portions of the bed, are more constant. Typical bubble pathways are shown to move from the column wall to the center axis of the bed with increased bed height. Therefore, in order to have a representative mean bubble size and mean bubble rise velocity, which accounts for the whole cross-section of the bed, an area-number weighted mean is introduced.