Prediction and evaluation of binary particle fluidization in gas–solid fluidized bed

•Proposed a method to predict binary particle fluidization behavior.•Derived the gas–solid evolution formula for binary particle fluidization.•Introduced an index to evaluate binary particle fluidization quality.•Improved fluidization quality for binary particles with 10% Geldart A particles. The flow characteristics of silicon particles in a fluidized bed are closely related to the production efficiency of organosilicon monomers. In this study, the gas–solid fluidization of binary particles composed of different proportions of Geldart A particles and Geldart B particles is predicted and evaluated, and compared with single-size particles having the same average particle diameter. The following are the main findings: (1) A formula for predicting the gas–solid fluidization of binary particles is proposed, which can effectively predict the type of gas–solid fluidization system and the fluidization characteristics of binary particles. (2) The fluidization of binary particles differs from that of single-size particles with the same average particle size, primarily evidenced by an increase in bed porosity and a decrease in the frequency of bubble coalescence and rupture. Additionally, the concentration distribution of binary particles is mainly influenced by the component particles with a higher ratio. (3) The evaluation index is introduced to evaluate the fluidization quality of binary particles. Compared to single-size particles, binary particles containing 10% Geldart A particles exhibit a significant improvement in fluidization quality. This study provides valuable insights into the gas–solid two-phase flow, which are of great significance for the design, operation, and optimization of gas–solid two-phase systems in various industrial applications.