CFD-DEM ASSESSMENT OF HYDRODYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF FLUIDIZED BED

Fluidization is a well-established technique for processing particulate materials, characterized by intensive interactions between solid particles and the fluid flow. Among the various design parameters of fluidized bed dryers, bed height plays a critical role, directly influencing flow resistance, heat and mass transfer, and consequently, the system’s energy efficiency and overall performance. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms governing fluidized bed dynamics is therefore essential for process optimization. In this study, a three-dimensional gas-solid fluidized bed was simulated using a coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) framework. This approach enables precise tracking of particle motion and distribution, allowing the temporal evolution of bed height to be quantified. Simultaneously, flow characteristics such as gas velocity, pressure, and particle distribution were analyzed under various operating conditions. Before performing a sensitive simulation study, the model was validated against data from previously published studies, showing strong agreement with established empirical correlations and confirming the reliability of the numerical framework. Building on this validation, a parametric study was conducted to examine the effects of key operating variables - namely, inlet gas velocity and bed height - on the hydrodynamic behavior of the system. The obtained results demonstrate that these parameters have a significant impact on flow uniformity and overall bed stability.