Simulation of a Fluidized Bed Characteristics

using Discrete Element Method (DEM) and

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) through

EDEM-FLUENT Coupling

Daniel Portioli Sampaio - Unicamp

Prof. Dr. José Roberto Nunhez – Unicamp

Dr. Nicolas Spogis – ESSS

Daniel Schiochet Nasato - ESSS

Agenda

• Objectives

• Literature review

• Simulations

• Conclusions

• Next steps

• Use EDEM coupled to CFD to evaluate its potential use for

fluidized beds based on literature review;

• Perform experimental tests in a fluidized bed;

• Reproduce in the simulations the experimental behavior of

the fluidized bed.

Objectives

Literature review

• Different types of fluidized bed

Simple test case

Airflow inlet (FLUENT)

Airflow Outlet

Particles Factory (EDEM)Bottom

(EDEM)

• Based on literature review a simple test case was made

First studies

• Fluidized bed simulated for

different times – Fluid velocity

5 m/s

• Review from literature - Fluid

velocity 2.5 m/s

Experimental test

• Equipment used for experimental tests

• It was used a distribution plate with 6 holes

Experimental test

• Fluidized bed characteristics;

• Polystyrene spheres.

Experimental data

• Fluidization curve - Pa x

Velocity [cm/s]

• Blank obtained in the

distribution plate

• CFD Mesh constructed in ICEM – Hexahedrical mesh

• Air inlet was simulated as totally opened. It was not

considered the distribution plate with 6 holes

FLUENT Mesh

• Fluidized bed characteristics for 0.1 m/s

Results for 0.1 m/s

• Fluidized bed characteristics for 0.26 m/s

Results for 0.26 m/s

• Pressure drop for 0.1 m/s

and 0.26 m/s

• Air velocity profile for 0.1 m/s

and 0.26 m/s

Velocity and pressure drop

Conclusions

• Simulations showed good qualitative results. Similar

phenomena to experimental tests could be captured.

• Pressure difference from experiments can be caused by lack

of the distribution plate details in the simulation.

• All simulations used the Ergun Drag Model. Di Felice drag

model could give better results for it considers mass fraction,

but the convergence was not good;

• Electrostatic forces between particles was not considered.

Next Steps

• Consider distribution plate details in the simulation;

• Try using Di Felice drag model for simulations with a more

conservative time step;

• Use another type of fluidized bed to make possible using

particles of higher density – reduce electrostatic effects.

Acknowledgments

• We would like to thank Professor Sandra Cristina Rocha for

kindly lend us the fluidized bed and polystyrene for the

experimental runs.