Particle-scale simulation of fluidized bed with immersed tubes

In order to simulate gas-solids flows with complex geometry, the boundary element method was incorporated into the implementation of a combined model of computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method. The resulting method was employed to simulate hydrodynamics in a fluidized bed with immersed tubes. The transient simulation results showed particle and bubble dynamics. The bubble coalescence and break-up behavior when passing the immersed tubes was successfully predicted. The gassolid flow pattern in the fluidized bed is changed greatly because of the immersed tubes. As particles and gas are come in contact with the immersed tubes, the gas bubbles will be deformed. The collisions between particles and tubes will make the tubes surrounded by air pockets most of the time and this is unfavorable for the heat transfer between particles and tubes. © Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH 2008.