CFD-DEM investigation of cluster dynamics and moisture transfer behavior in a binary fluidized bed

Abstract

The addition of dry bed material can enhance dehydration by improving heat and mass transfer in binary fluidized beds. Using computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) coupled with liquid evaporation and transfer models, the fluidization, clustering, and dehydration performance of wet particles are explored. The effects of adding dry bed material, initial stacking arrangement, bed material density, and inlet velocity configuration are systematically examined. The results reveal that the addition of bed material can increase the cluster peak volume but weaken its stability. Density differences between the bed material and wet particles can induce segregation, which can be mitigated through optimized inlet velocity configurations. Moreover, the initial stacking arrangement influences the mixing behavior and cluster dynamics. All these observations are beneficial for a deeper understanding of the fluidization, clustering, and dehydration behavior of wet particles in binary fluidized beds.