Dynamics of jetsam layer in continuous segregation of binary heterogeneous particles in gas-solid fluidized bed

Investigations on the dynamics of height of defluidized jetsam layer were carried out during the continuous segregation studies of heterogeneous binary particles in a fluidized bed system. The effect of bottom discharge pipe, flow rates of gas and solid and composition of flotsam in the feed on the growth of defluidized layer has been studied. It is found that the steady state defluidized bed height decreases with increase in gas velocity, feed composition and bottom discharge pipe diameter, and decrease in solid flow rate. A model based on the exponential growth of the defluidized bed height is used to compare the experimental data on the dynamics of defluidized bed height. Correlations are developed for growth constant and steady state bed height in terms of operating and geometric parameters. The agreement between the model and experimental data is satisfactory. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.