Validation of a Two-Dimensional Hyperbolic System Modelling a Gas Fluidized Bed

Numerical solutions of a gas fluidized bed model in two space dimensions are presented. This model is hyperbolic and contains particle pressure, but no particle viscosity. The results are compared with experimental data available in the literature for a wide variety of phenomena. Investigated are: the rise velocity of a single, isolated bubble; the frequency of variation of bubble diameter with time; bubble splitting; bubble frequency and the coalescence of a bubble chain formed by gas injected through a single orifice; analysis of the coalescence of bubbles aligned vertically, as well as that of those not in vertical alignment; the formation of slugs in narrow beds; and, eruption at the bed surface. The simulation results show both qualitative and quantitative agreement with the literature. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.