CFD-DEM study on the interaction between triboelectric charging and fluidization of particles in gas-solid fluidized beds

The triboelectric charging of particles has a substantial effect on the fluidization process and flow dynamics. Conversely, the fluidization state has an impact on the charge transfer of particles. In this study, we added models to the Computational Fluid Dynamic coupled Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) that could describe particle triboelectric charging and electrostatic interactions. According to numerical simulations, it was found for the first time that the behavior of bipolar charged particles undergoes a chaining stage and an agglomerating stage as the particle size decreases, where the interactions between triboelectric charging and fluidization are different. The effect of the wall is positively correlated to the ratio of the particle-wall collision rate to the total particle collision rate, and the fluidization conditions of particles affect the charging process of particles via this correlation. This work contributes to further understanding of the interaction between triboelectric charging and fluidization of particles and helps to optimize fluidized bed design and fluidization conditions. [Display omitted] •Particles form chain-like structures and further agglomerate with decreasing sizes.•In chaining and agglomerating stages, triboelectric charging impact is different.•Wall effect is positively correlated to the ratio of particle-wall collision rate.•Wall adhering behavior tends to confine the net charge to the vicinity of wall.