ChE 323- Particle Technology

Insights into Fluidization: Exploring Principles and Behavior Through Practical Experimentation using Sand

Choyson S. Riveral
Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract. Fluidization, a process involving the passage of a fluid through a bed of solid particles, has
wide-ranging applications in various industrial processes. Understanding fluidized beds is crucial for
processes like combustion, polymer production, and refining. This is an overview of fluidization
principles, illustrated by a practical example of a hot-air popcorn popper. It further delves into the
discussion of pressure loss and the behavior of particles in a fluidized bed. The objective is to
determine the bed voidage, leading to a detailed methodology using sand as a model system. The
materials list includes sand, a container, a compressor, a hose, a timer, and a sieve. The methodology
involves sand preparation, container setup, compression, and fluidization, with detailed steps
outlined. The method describes the experimental procedure, focusing on sand sieving, weight
measurement, and fluidization observation. The results and calculations show the determination of
bed voidage, indicating the fraction of the bed volume occupied by fluid. The discussion highlights
the significance of accurate measurements and experimental conditions, suggesting potential
implications for a fluidized bed. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of precise measurement
techniques and recommends re-evaluating measurements, reviewing experimental setups, and
conducting repeat experiments for further validation.
Keywords: fluidization; fluidized bed; voidage; sand; experimental methodology

1 Introduction Fluidization occurs when gas flow exerts upward force

Fluidization is a process that involves forcing a liquid
or gas through a bed of solid particles so uniformly that
the particles rise to the top and move about inside their
container. The particles combine thoroughly with the
liquid or gas as well as with one another. This mixture
works well as a medium for the transfer of mass or heat
from a gas or liquid to a solid and vice versa. For this
reason, fluidized beds are employed in many industrial
processes involving physical, chemical, and biological
processes, such as combustion, polymer production,
and petroleum refining. The fluidizing ingredient in the
majority of applications is gas rather than liquid
(Evans, 2024).
on a bed, causing particles to separate and vibrate. As
velocity increases, particles spread farther apart and
move more vigorously. High velocities cause particles
to swirl around the container, providing a range of bed
conditions from smooth to turbulent. A gas-fluidized
bed behaves like a liquid, sinking to the bottom
(Masayuki, 2017).
A simplified every-day-life example of a gas-solid
fluidized bed would be a hot-air popcorn popper. The
popcorn kernels, all being fairly uniform in size and
shape, are suspended in the hot-air rising from the
bottom chamber. Because of the intense mixing of the
particles, akin to that of a boiling liquid, this allows for
a uniform temperature of the kernels throughout the
 ChE 323- Particle Technology

chamber, minimizing the amount of burnt popcorn.

After popping, the now larger popcorn particles
encounter increased aerodynamic drag which pushes
them out of the chamber and into a bowl
(ChemEurope).

1.1 Background

When a fluid is passed upwards through a bed of

particles the pressure loss in the fluid due to frictional
resistance increases with increasing fluid flow. A point
is reached when the upward drag force exerted by the Fig. 1.1 Pressure drop versus fluid velocity for
fluid on the particles is equal to the apparent weight of packing and beds
particles in the bed. At this point the particles are lifted
by the fluid, the separation of the particles increases, 1.2 Objective:
and the bed becomes fluidized. The force balance
across the fluidized bed dictates that the fluid pressure
loss across the bed of particles is equal to the apparent • To determine the bed voidage
weight of the particles per unit area of the bed. Thus:
2 Materials and Methodology
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒−𝑢𝑝𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒
Pressure drop =
𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠−𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
2.1 Material
For a bed of particles of density rp, fluidized by a fluid
of density rf to foem a bed of depth H and voidage e un Materials
a vessel of cross-sectional area A:

𝐻𝐴 (1− 𝜀)(𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑓 )𝑔
o Sand
△p = (1.1)
𝐴
o Container
△p = H(1 – ε)(𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑓 )𝑔 (1.2)
o Hose
A plot of fluid pressure loss across the bed versus
superficial fluid velocity through the bed would have
the appearance of Figure 1.1. Referring to Figure 1.1, o Timer
the straight line region OA is the packed bed region.
Here the solid particles do not move relative to one o Compressor
another and their separation is constant. The pressure
loss versus fluid velocity relationship. o Sieve

These are the following materials needed in this

experiment; hence, the researchers should prepare the
sand, which is the main material, in order to perform
this experiment. The sand is sieved in order to achieve
the desired sand size. Second is the compressor that is
used to compress the sand inside the container. The
container is open at the top in order to observe the fluid
flow and the whole experiment setup. The hose is used
to deliver the air into the container to be able to treat
the sand as fluid. During the experiment, the flow of
the sand is monitored using a timer. Observing and
 ChE 323- Particle Technology

listing down all the data gathered on a sheet of paper,
documenting the whole experiment, and gathering all
the data together.
2.2 Methodology
I. Preparation of Sand:
• Sieving: Begin by sieving the sand to ensure
uniform particle size. The sieve should be
chosen based on the desired granularity for the
experiment.
II. Setup of the Apparatus:
• Container Preparation: Place the sieved sand
inside the container, ensuring it is evenly
distributed.
• Compressor and Hose Setup: Connect the
hose to the compressor and the other end to the
bottom of the container to facilitate the
introduction of air.
1.860 kg. The weighted particles are transferred into
the setup container with a volume of 0.0011625 𝑚3 .
This measurement is important to calculate the bed
voidage and the fluid flow.
Then next, the hose at the container is connected to the
compressor so that the air flows into the container and
starts to fluidize the sand inside the container. During
the experiment, the behavior of the particles inside the
container is observed while monitoring the entire setup
and measuring the pressure drop using a manometer.
The pressure drop is recorded once the flow of the fluid
is stable; this data is used to calculate the bed voidage.
The formula involving calculation of bed voidage is the
following:
𝜌𝑏
ε=1- (2.1)
𝜌𝑝
where, ε is the bed voidage, 𝜌𝑏 is the bed density, and
𝜌𝑝 is the particle density. The givens are substitute to
the formula to find the bed voidage.

III. Compression of Sand: 3 Results and Calculation

• Initial Compression: Use the compressor to 3.1 Calculations

gently compress the sand. This helps in settling
the sand particles and creates a more uniform Table 1. Given data for the experiment
medium for the experiment.
• Observation Point: Ensure the container Parameter Value
remains open at the top for easy observation of
the fluidization process.
Mass of the particle 1.860 kg
IV. Fluidization Process:

• Air Introduction: Gradually introduce air into Volume of the bed 0.0011625 𝑚3
the sand through the hose using the
compressor. Adjust the air flow rate carefully
to achieve the desired fluidization without Particle density (𝜌𝑝 ) 1600 kg/𝑚3
causing excessive disturbance.
• Monitoring: Use the timer to monitor the
duration and consistency of the sand flow. Bed density (𝜌𝑏 ) 0.4587 kg/𝑚3
Observe the behavior of the sand as air is
introduced, noting any patterns or anomalies.
Pressure drop 2.9 bar
2.3 Methods
The first step is sieving the sand into the desired size Bed voidage (ε)
of particles, then measuring the weight of the particles
that will be used in the experiment, which is about
 ChE 323- Particle Technology
2
Cross-sectional area 1𝑚
(A)
The gathered data for the fluidization experiment is
necessary to calculate the bed voidage. With the given
mass of the particles of 1.860 kg and the occupying
volume of 0.0011625 kg, together with the particle
density of about 1600 kg and the bed density of 0.4587
kg, using this information, the bed voidage can be
calculated.
The bed voidage can be calculated using (Eq. 2.1):
𝜌𝑏
ε=1-
𝜌𝑝
where, 𝜌𝑏 = 0.4587 kg/𝑚3 and 𝜌𝑝 = 1600 kg/𝑚3 .
Substitute this given to the formula:
𝜌𝑏
ε=1- 𝜌𝑝
0.4587 kg/𝑚3
ε=1- 1600 kg/𝑚3
ε ≈ 0.9997
3.2 Discussion
In fluidization experiments, determining the bed
voidage is crucial for understanding the behavior and
characteristics of the bed under fluid flow conditions.
The bed voidage (𝜖ϵ) represents the fraction of the bed
volume that is occupied by the fluid (usually air or a
liquid), as opposed to the solid particles. The calculated
bed voidage of approximately 0.9997 indicates that
nearly the entire volume of the bed is occupied by the
fluid, with a very small fraction occupied by the solid
particles. This result is highly unusual for a typical
fluidized bed, as it suggests that the particles are almost
entirely suspended within the fluid, leaving minimal
contact between them. Measurement accuracy, particle
arrangement, and experimental conditions can
significantly influence bed voidage calculations.
Accurate measurements can lead to substantial changes
in results. Practically, particles in fluidized beds are not
perfectly packed, but high voidage values may indicate
overestimation or underestimation of bed density. High
fluid velocities can increase bed expansion.
4 Conclusion and Recommendation
4.1 Conclusion
In conclusion, the calculation of bed voidage in
fluidization experiments is imperative for
comprehending the behavior and characteristics of the
bed under fluid flow conditions. The derived value,
approximately 0.9997 in this case, indicates an unusual
scenario where nearly the entire bed volume is
occupied by the fluid, with minimal space for solid
particles. Such high voidage suggests a configuration
where particles are almost entirely suspended within
the fluid, emphasizing the importance of accurate
measurement techniques and consideration of
experimental conditions. Additionally, high voidage
values may point to potential overestimation or
underestimation of bed density, highlighting the need
for careful analysis and interpretation of results in
fluidized bed studies.
4.2 Recommendation
Given the calculated voidage, it is advisable to:
• Re-evaluate Measurements: Double-check the
experimental data, particularly the
measurements of bed density and particle
density, to ensure their accuracy.
• Review Experimental Setup: Consider the
setup and conditions of the experiment. Ensure
that the fluid flow rate and particle
characteristics are within typical ranges for
fluidization studies.
• Conduct Repeat Experiments: Perform
additional experiments to verify the
consistency of the results. Comparing with
theoretical predictions and empirical data from
similar studies can provide further validation.
References
Evans, K. M. (2024, May 21). What is Fluidization?
All the Science.
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-
fluidization.htm#:~:text=Fluidization%20is%
20a%20process%20in%20which%20a%20gas
,one%20another%20and%20with%20the%20l
iquid%20or%20gas.
 ChE 323- Particle Technology

LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP., a Nevada corporation,

Plaintiff, v. UKNOWN REGISTRANTS OF
www.wn0000.com, www.wn1111.com,
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www.wn8888.com, www.wn9999.com,
www.112211.com, www.4456888.com,
www.4489888.com, www.001148.com, and
www.2289888.com, Defendants. (2016).
Gaming Law Review and Economics, 20(10),
859–868.
https://doi.org/10.1089/glre.2016.201011

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Technology. John Wiley & Sons.
http://books.google.ie/books?id=P9Qgvh7kMP8C&pr
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ion-to-particle-technology-2nd-ed-martin-rhodes-pdf-
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