A new scaling strategy for bubbling fluidized bed reactors based on population-balance model

This work proposes a new scaling strategy for bubbling fluidized bed reactors. It is based on bubble size distribution, bubble coalescence phenomenon, and chemical reactivity, thus allowing us to deduct the dimensionless number Φ, which must remain around 0.45 at different scales to guarantee the fluidization regime. The proposed strategy is validated through computational simulations carried out under various operating conditions. Additionally, the limits for this scaling strategy to be valid were determined; they agree with those reported in the literature. [Display omitted] •New scaling strategy for bubbling fluidized bed reactors proposed.•Focuses on bubble size distribution and coalescence phenomena.•Dimensionless number Φ remains constant across different scales.•Validated through computational simulations under varied conditions.•Limits of the strategy are consistent with existing literature.