This paper introduces an approach for the simulation of the hydrodynam
ic behaviour of gas-solid fluidized beds via the use of lattice gas ce
llular automata. This approach is based on a two-speed model, develope
d by U. Frisch, B. Hasslacher, and Y. Pomeau. Simulation runs for diff
erent configurations of the automaton produce results that can be comp
ared to actual data. The simulations show when and how bubbling will o
ccur. Values for the bubble diameters as a function of bed height, as
well as bed porosities in two horizontal planes have been obtained fro
m the simulations. From these results correlation diagrams and the Kol
mogorov entropy are calculated. Generally, the results of the simulati
ons are qualitatively in good agreement with experimental observations
, showing that this new approach could provide a useful tool in predic
ting the fluid dynamic behaviour of fluidized beds. (C) 1997 Academic
Press.