Numerical analysis of gas–solid hydrodynamics and heat transfer characteristics in a multi-stage fluidized bed temperature stabilizer

The research aims to evaluate gas–solid's hydrodynamics and heat transfer physiognomies in a multi-stage fluidized bed temperature stabilizer. This dual-functioning type device is highly recommended for preserving grain quality or nutritional value during drying and gradually cooling dried grain. In this investigation, CFD simulation on a 2-D model of a multi-stage fluidized bed temperature stabilizer has been carried out using the ANSYS FLUENT 14.5 software by employing Eulerian–Eulerian methodology for the gas–solid phase. This investigation examines the effect of volume fraction, temperature, and pressure variation at different inlet air velocities of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 m s−1, for 500, 1000, and 1500 g particle loading capacities, respectively. Comparing numerical outcomes with the experimental results, a good agreement is found with a maximum variation of temperature and heat transfer coefficient of 2.19% and 1.56%, respectively.