A novel hydrodynamic model for conical spouted beds based on streamtube modeling approach

The streamtube modeling technique adopted with a new approach and a hydrodynamic model is presented for conical spouted beds. None of the required empirical equations in the well-known streamtube model are needed to predict hydrodynamic parameters. The hydrodynamic parameters for three zones including spout, annulus, and fountain are determined based on the mass and momentum conservation equations. The locus of the streamlines is predicted together with the hydrodynamic parameters of the bed. Only a single empirical equation, which is the bed voidage at the minimum fluidization condition, is needed to solve the model. The model uses a one-dimensional formulization, nevertheless, the method is capable of predicting the radial distribution of air and solid velocities inside the spouted bed. The interparticle interactions of the solids are taken into account based on the granular kinetic theory. The simulated particle velocity profile in annulus shows reasonable agreement with the experimental results. The model is also successful in calculating fountain height.