Educ. Reso. for Part. Techn. 012Q-Rhodes
<http://www.erpt.org/012Q/rhod-00.htm>
Copyright © 2001 Martin Rhodes, Licensed to ERPT

Fluidization of Particles by Fluids

by Martin Rhodes

Abstract: This article describes the physical principles involved in fluidizing a bed of particles, the variations in behaviour as particle size and interparticle forces change, equations that help predict variations in behaviour with changes in physical properties and fluid flow rate, and practical considerations in industrial fluidized beds.

Keywords: fluidized bed, Geldart classes, particles, elutriation

Welcome to this fluidization tutorial,
whose fundamental theme is neatly represented
by Video 1 [8.0 min to download at 28.8kbaud].
At first knowledge lies hidden from our understanding,
but when the concepts start to flow in increasing quantity
there is a sudden realization that we can master the subject
and can enjoy solving problems that used to baffle us completely.

Sections of this Article

Acknowledgement
Figures 3 and 7 and videos 2, 5, 6, and 7 were made by Prof. Derek Geldart of Bradford University, UK, and are used with his permission.

Martin Rhodes is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

With a keen interest in particle technology education, he has directed continuing education courses on the subject and is author of the undergraduate textbook Introduction to Partcle Technology (Wiley, 1998).

His research interests include fluidization, fluid-particle flows, interparticle forces and particle mixing.

Go to ERPT home page | Vol. 2 No. 1 Table of Contents | next section