Computation of flow patterns in circulating fluidized beds

Abstract Flow regimes of dense‐phase vertical pneumatic transport of solids, referred to in the literature as circulating fluidized beds, have been computed using a generalization of the Navier‐Stokes equations for two fluids. In the less dense regime corresponding to volume fractions of solids of about 1%, the flow consists of centrally upward moving solids and downward moving clusters. The computations agree with observations made by high‐speed motion pictures and with measurements of radial solids concentrations and velocities. In the dense regime, corresponding to volume fractions of about 10%, a core‐annulus type of regime is obtained, with solids descending down at the wall. The computed voidage distributions and velocity profiles agree with measurement done at the Institute of Gas Technology.