Extending homogeneous fluidization flow regime of Geldart-A particles by exerting axial uniform and steady magnetic field

The homogeneous/particulate fluidization flow regime is particularly suitable for handling the various gas-solid contact processes encountered in the chemical and energy industry. This work aimed to extend such a regime of Geldart-A particles by exerting the axial uniform and steady magnetic field. Under the action of the magnetic field, the overall homogeneous fluidization regime of Geldart-A magnetizable particles became composed of two parts: inherent homogeneous fluidization and newly-created magnetic stabilization. Since the former remained almost unchanged whereas the latter became broader as the magnetic field intensity increased, the overall homogeneous fluidization regime could be extended remarkably. As for Geldart-A nonmagnetizable particles, certain amount of magnetizable particles had to be premixed to transmit the magnetic stabilization. Among others, the mere addition of magnetizable particles could broaden the homogeneous fluidization regime. The added content of magnetizable particles had an optimal value with smaller/lighter ones working better. The added magnetizable particles might raise the ratio between the interparticle force and the particle gravity. After the magnetic field was exerted, the homogeneous fluidization regime was further expanded due to the formation of magnetic stabilization flow regime. The more the added magnetizable particles, the better the magnetic performance and the broader the overall homogeneous fluidization regime. Smaller/lighter magnetizable particles were preferred to maximize the magnetic performance and extend the overall homogeneous fluidization regime. This phenomenon could be ascribed to that the added magnetizable particles themselves became more Geldart-A than -B type as their density or size decreased.(c) 2023 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.