Minimum fluidization velocity and friction factor in a liquid-solid inverse fluidized bed reactor

In the present study the hydrodynamic characteristics (bed expansion and pr essure drop) of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) are studied in a liquid-solid inverse fluidized bed reactor as a function of pa rticle diameter, liquid viscosity and density. The bed expansion and pressu re drop data are used to determine the minimum fluidization velocity, U-mf and friction factor, f. It was found that the U-mf increased with an increa se in the particle diameter and a decrease in solid density and was indepen dent of initial bed height (solid loading). In addition, the U-mf decreased with an increase in the CMC concentration. The fiction factor Reynolds num ber plot was found similar to that of classical fluidization. Dimensionless equations were proposed for the, prediction of the friction factor and the U-mf.