The stability of slugs in fluidised beds of fine particles: A theory based on particle pick-up from the wake

A theory for slug stability in fluidised beds of fine particles is developed based on the idea of gas circulation inside bubbles.Data on the intensity of circulation inside gas slugs in liquids are reported and an analogy is drawn with slugs in fluidised beds; this information is coupled with data on gas pick-up velocity for flow over granular beds, to yield a simple criterion for slug stability. A test of this criterion is provided by comparison with data on the stability of freely slugging beds.An X-ray study of slugs in fluidised beds at various pressures is also described that gives further support to the predictions of the theory.