CFD-DEM modeling for optimized liquid distribution in fluidized bed spray granulation

In this work, CFD-DEM simulations of two different fluidized bed granulator geometries were performed, aiming to provide an insight into how the injected liquid behaves within the particle bed and thus an overall better understanding of the granulation process itself. Simulation results were evaluated regarding the fate of sprayed droplets, e.g. deposition on a particle, elutriation from fluidized bed, or collision with apparatus walls. For the deposited droplets, the particle–droplet collisions were tracked in order to obtain a locally resolved deposition rate. Spray parameters as well as geometric specifications of the nozzle setup were varied, investigating a broad range of different process conditions. By optimizing apparatus design, especially the air inlet, an even distribution of the liquid droplets within the fluidized bed and overall higher deposition rate can be achieved and a stable steady state with a well-defined spray zone is reached within a broad range of varied spray parameters.

Subjects

Bottom-spray

CFD-DEM simulation

Fluidized bed spray granulation

Liquid distribution

Tangential air inlet

DDC Class

660.2: Chemical Engineering

Funding(s)

Projekt DEAL

Publication version

publishedVersion

Lizenz

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Name

1-s2.0-S0032591024009434-main.pdf

Type

Main Article

Size

2.74 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Options

CFD-DEM modeling for optimized liquid distribution in fluidized bed spray granulation