Numerical simulation of particle motion in a gradient magnetically assisted fluidized bed

Flow behavior of magnetizable particles is simulated in a two-dimensional gradient magnetically assisted bubbling fluidized bed. The motion of particles is simulated by discrete element method (DEM) with the consideration of external magnetic forces at a constant gradient magnetic field along bed height. The distributions of velocity and concentration of magnetizable particles are analyzed at the different magnetic field intensities. The simulations show a significant effect on the motion of particles with vertical magnetic-fields applied. When the magnetic field strength is increased to a value at which the fluidization of strings starts, the particles are found to form straight-chain aggregates in the direction of the magnetic field. At very high magnetic field strengths, defluidization is observed. Gas pressure drop of bed decreases with the increase of magnetic-flux densities. The granular temperature of particles increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases with the increase of magnetic-flux density. Through the analysis of the motion of particles, it is concluded that the moderate strength magnetic field gives a high fluctuation of particles and distribute gas more evenly in the bed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.