Functional variation of minimum spouting velocity with static bed height in conical spouted beds

Static height (H-0) is a key parameter in spouted bed as it is dictated by the amount of solids. Knowledge of minimum spouting velocity (u(ms)) is a pre-requisite for optimal spouting condition for the loaded bed. Although a linear variation of ums with H-0 has been reported, this is not strictly true. Runs were performed using particles having a wide range of densities (2500-16000 kg/m(3)) and sizes (570-2440 mu m). u(ms) was measured for a wide range of H-0 values from those in the conical zone to those having a double height in the upper cylindrical one. Expressing u(ms) alpha H-0 alpha, with alpha being the exponent of the bed height, this exponent has a high dependency (similar to 0.5-2.0) on the particle features, and therefore on the bed regime. This will help to rightfully choose the value of alpha for a given set of particles processed in conical spouted beds with different H-0.