PREDICTION OF AGGLOMERATE SIZES IN BUBBLING FLUIDIZED-BEDS OF GROUP-CPOWDERS

A mathematical model to predict an equilibrium agglomerate size in agg lomerating fluidized beds of Geldart group C powders was derived based on the balance of bed expansion force caused by bubbles and agglomera te-to-agglomerate cohesive rupture force. The bed compaction force cau sed by bubbles of ordinary sizes was found not sufficient to break agg lomerates. Among the two solutions the one corresponding to a stable e quilibrium was calculated by a simple iteration. The model was success fully validated by experimental data in the literature and additional new data in the present work. Previous models are also critically revi ewed and evaluated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved .