Finite element analysis of the flow and heat transfer of solid particles in moving beds

A numerical analysis for the flow and heat transfer of solid particles in m oving beds of heat exchangers is presented. The solid particles pass throug h a bundle of heat source tubes as the result of the gravitational force. H eat energy is transferred through direct contact of particles with the heat source tubes. A viscous-plastic fluid model and a convective heat transfer model are employed in the analysis. The flow field dominantly determines t he total heat transfer in the heat exchanger. As the velocities of solid pa rticles around the heat source tubes increase, the heat transfer from the t ubes also increases. Examples are presented to show the performance of the numerical model. The effect of how on heat transfer has also been studied. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.