An Inlet Area for Particle Mixing in a Two-Dimensional Fluidized Bed Using a CFD-DEM Model

Fluidized beds are widely used in many industries since they are effective in mixing process. The distinct element method (DEM) has recently received more attention for investigating the phenomena of multiphase flow because the technique is effective in gathering detailed information on the complex phenomena without physically disturbing the flows. A CFD-DEM model has been developed for calculating the minimum fluidization velocity and particle mixing in a two-dimensional fluidized bed. In this research, the inlet area on the particle mixing was investigated. From the result, it was indicated that the developed CFD-DEM model was performed adequately in predicting the phenomena in a two dimensional fluidized bed. The minimum fluidization velocity predicted by the developed model agreed well with the theory and correlation of Grace. Based on Lacey mixing index, it was found that the mixing index increased with an increase in time and superficial gas velocity. In addition, the inlet area of 20% gave a good mixing.