Work

Gas pulsation-assisted fluidization of cohesive micron powder: An X-ray imaging study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Study on pulse-assisted fluidization of Geldart C powder uses X-ray imaging. • Time-evolving patterns under varying pulse conditions are analyzed. • Low frequencies and moderate amplitudes suppress persistent gas channels. • Pulsation mitigates particle stratification induced by vibration assistance. Conventional fluidization of cohesive powders is challenging due to their strong interparticle forces, often requiring assistance methods. In this study, the hydrodynamics of pulsed and vibrated beds of cohesive Geldart C silica powder (Sauter mean diameter d 32 = 7.9 μ m ) in a 19.2 cm diameter column were investigated using X-ray imaging. The results show that low-frequency, moderate-amplitude gas pulsation improves fluidization by disrupting long, persistent gas channels. Higher-frequency pulsation is dampened throughout the bed, resulting in negligible improvement over unassisted systems. When coupled with mechanical vibration, gas pulsation slightly mitigates solid compaction at the bottom section, but the overall flow pattern remains largely unchanged compared to vibration alone. The findings highlight the potential of integrating gas pulsation with other assistance methods to enhance fluidization in practical applications.

Source: Chemical Engineering Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2025.121529

Authors: Kaiqiao Wu, Rens Kamphorst, P. Christian van der Sande, Evert C. Wagner, Gabrie M.H. Meesters, J. Ruud van Ommen

Institutions: Guangdong University of Technology, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Granular flow and fluidized beds

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,050

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Ministry of Economic Affairs