Prediction of gas-particle dynamics and heat transfer in a two-dimensional spouted bed

The aerodynamics of particles and heat transfer of gas-to-particles in a two-dimensional spouted bed (2DSB) with draft plates are investigated by the discrete element method (DEM). The physical properties of the particles are similar to those of shelled corn. The calculated minimum spouting velocity and pressure drop agree well with the empirical correlations proposed by Kudra et al. The particle circulation rate increases when the friction coefficient decreases or the separation height increases. The draft plates can reduce the minimum spouting velocity and pressure drop. They also increase the maximum spoutable bed height. The effect of taking out the draft plates on the spouting phenomenon is investigated. The mixing of a 2DSB without draft plates of 10 000 particles is better than that of 26 000 particles. In our simulation, the gas-to-particle heat transfer is investigated. The Ranz–Marshall correlation and the correlation of Sartori et al. are applicable in the spout region and the downcomer region, respectively. The gas-to-particle heat transfer occurs mainly in the central or spout region, as reported by Freitas and Freire.