The lateral mixing of fluidised solids through meshed and unmeshed apertures

Rates at which solids mix laterally through meshed and unmeshed openings in vertical partitions subdividing a fluidised bed are reported. The effects on mixing of the superficial gas velocity, particle size, and total and fractional free aperture areas are assessed, and bed expansion data reported.

The flux rate of material through the apertures was found to be directly proportional to the difference between the superficial and the minimum fluidising velocities, and inversely proportional to a power function of the mean particle diameter. Reducing the free area available for passage of material across the bed decreased the circulation flux rate: increasing the total aperture area had the same effect.

These influences on mixing are explained, and the mixing rates and bed expansion data correlated against relevant experimental variables.