HYDRODYNAMICS OF A 3-PHASE FLUIDIZED-BED - THE INVERSE TURBULENT BED

This paper examines the fundamental characteristics of an inverse gas- liquid-solid turbulent bed. In this reactor, solids lighter than water , of large diameter (3-4 mm) and of densities ranging from 914 to 934 kg/m(3), are fluidized by only an upward gas flow. The hydrodynamic be haviour is described and characterized by some specific gas velocities . Particles are easily fluidized and can be uniformly distributed over the whole height of the column. The effect of the operating condition s (column diameter, gas sparger, initial weight of particles introduce d into the reactor) on the hydrodynamics is presented. A simplified mo del is proposed to predict the values of one of these gas velocities. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.