Particle motion analysis of a new three-phase fluidized bed flotation column with glass sphere particles

Analysis of the particle movement within the unit vessel is necessary for the design, optimization and scale-up of the new three-phase fluidized bed flotation column (TFC). This work aimed to examine the motion and distribution of assisted fluidized particle-glass spheres in the TFC and to provide a better assessment of particle collision and dispersion behavior by quantifying particle velocities. Tracer particles were analyzed by high-speed camera techniques to determine particle velocity fluctuations in a three-phase fluidized bed consisting of glass spheres, water, and bubbles. A correlation model for determining the particle velocity in a three-phase fluidized bed is proposed after a systematic analysis of the particle velocity. The model covers a wide range of superficial gas velocities (0-0.339 m/s), superficial liquid velocities (0.169-0.425 m/s) and initial static bed heights (0.162-0.262 m). Aiming to evaluate particle collisions in the TFC, this paper derives the particle collision frequencies using a modified collision model and investigates the effect of a wide range of operating parameters on particle collisions. Finally, a new method for estimating dispersion due to particle motion is developed based on the study of particle dis-persion coefficients.(c) 2023 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.