CFD-DEM modelling of particles attrition in jet-in-fluidized beds

An improved CFD-DEM model for simulation of particles attrition is presented in this research. Hertzian contact stress was used to compute the stresses acting on particles and the Weibull distribution was used to calculate the breakage probability. Two breakage models were used to calculate size distribution of debris from particle attrition. These models were implemented to simulate a jet-in-fluidized bed. Breakage results, including spatial and size distribution of particles over time, breakage location/rate, and segregation of particles were studied. Simulation results show that, breakage rate was high in the first seconds due to stress caused by high velocity impact in the jet region, and then it increased linearly for some time and stopped due to smaller particles attrition inhibition by reducing the average stress acting on particles. About 98% of the breakages took place on the distributer zone. Particles breakage led to high degree of segregation and elutriation which was also studied here. (C) 2019 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.