The effect of stabilization on fluidized bed adsorption.

The focus of this project was to study fluidized beds from a particulate level. Using concepts from statistical mechanics, we have simulated fluidized bed behavior from a fundamental standpoint to obtain insight into the structure and behavior of fluidized beds at the particle level. Expansion behavior and structural phenomena of fluid-particle systems was simulated using a method analogous to the Monte Carlo method for molecular systems. Individual particles are moved and the resulting moves are accepted or declined based on the changes in the system's potential energy and average kinetic energy. Several fluid-particle systems have been successfully predicted with the particle simulation in addition to colloidal suspension concentration profiles and random packings of uniform spheres. Additionally, we have expanded the particle simulation to include the effects of multiple particle sizes and densities. Particle structural phenomena such as density-based and size-based segregation, classification, expansion, inversion, and solids dispersion have been investigated. Experimental data for segregation of glass beads of different sizes and different densities agree well with predictions made from the simulation. Classification, and dispersion simulations also show excellent agreement with experimental data. The successful prediction of binary solid layer inversion is also demonstrated. In addition to the simulation work performed, experimental investigations were undertaken in the area of fluidized bed adsorption and the affect of stabilization on fluidized bed adsorption. Emphasis was placed on stabilization using the differing hydrodynamic forces that arise from the presence of a distribution of particle sizes in a fluidized system, and magnetic stabilization using an external magnetic field. Lastly, we have used the simulation we have developed in conjunction with a continuum model for adsorption in fluidized systems. The model has been shown to be useful when determining the affect of a distribution of particle sizes and void fraction changes on fluidized bed efficiency.Ph.D.Applied SciencesChemical engineeringPharmacy sciencesPure SciencesUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/130116/2/9712081.pd