Flow visualization of segregation process in a fluidized-bed by neutron radiography

Owing to a wide variety in fluidization properties of particles, segregation phenomena are hardly avoided in industrial fluidized-bed facilities. For the stability and controllability in operation of such fluidized-beds, understanding of the relevant mechanism of particulate segregation is indispensable. This paper describes an experimental observation of the particulate segregation in a binary mixture system visualized successfully by using a neutron radiography (NR). The NR gives real-time information of the segregation process, and this information will be very useful in understanding the segregation mechanism.