Tomographic Imaging of Phase Distribution and Spatial Correlation of the fluidization dynamics in a fluidized bed

This paper describes the use of a capacitance tomography system for imaging gas bubbles in a fluidized bed in the vicinity of an air distributor plate. The results show how the solid concentration distribution varies as a function of time for three different flow regimes: bubbling, slugging and the transition to turbulent. Bubble shape, Length and coalesence can be observed. A method of spatial correlation to elucidate the bubble formation process is described.