Fluidization of molten salt fluid-particles using low density ratio kinetic theory of granular flow

To deduce and analyze the hydrodynamics of molten salt fluid and particles, computational simulations were performed using a low density ratio kinetic theory of granular flow with two-fluid model in a flu-idized bed. Two types of transition fluidization of molten salt fluid-particle mixtures were found in the fluidized bed. One represented the coexistence of wave-like flow at the bottom regime and large scale turbulent regime with chunk-like flow at the bed upper. The other characterized the coexistence of par-ticulate fluidization near the bottom regime and particle aggregations at the upper part along bed height. The molten salt fluid-particle mixtures transited from particulate fluidization to transition state with increasing molten salt fluid temperatures, inlet fluid velocities and particle diameters and densities. The computed expansion heights and fluid volume fractions agreed with measured data in a water -particles fluidized bed.(c) 2022 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.