Turbulent diffusion in particulately fluidized beds of particles

Measuring the spreading of a tracer dye from a point source yields information on diffusion in glass‐sphere beds fluidized in water. Particulately fluidized beds, which are here formed, are well described by the statistical turbulence equations of Taylor. Mixing parameters—eddy diffusivity, scale, and intensity of turbulence—are established. Transition of these variables is traced from fixed beds through fluidized beds in different degrees of bed expansion. Mixing characteristics of these “ideal” types of fluidization may provide a frame of reference for consideration of more complex systems.