A bubbling fluidization model using kinetic theory of rough spheres

Abstract

Collisional motion of inelastic rough spheres is analyzed on the basis of the kinetic theory for flow of dense, slightly inelastic, slightly rough sphere with the consideration of gas–solid interactions. The fluctuation kinetic energy of particles is introduced to characterize the random motion of particles as a measure of the translational and rotational velocities fluctuations. The kinetic energy transport equation is proposed with the consideration of the redistribution of particle kinetic energy between the rotational and translational modes and kinetic energy dissipation by collisions. The solid pressure and viscosity are obtained in terms of the particle roughness and restitution coefficient. The partition of the random-motion kinetic energy of inelastic rough particles between rotational and translational modes is shown to be strongly affected by the particle restitution coefficient and roughness. Hydrodynamics of gas–solid bubbling fluidized beds are numerically simulated on the basis of the kinetic theory for flow of rough spheres. Computed profiles of particles are in agreement with the experimental measurements in a bubbling fluidized bed. The effect of roughness on the distribution of energy dissipation, kinetic energy, and viscosity of particles is analyzed. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012