Mixing and segregation behaviors of a binary mixture in a pulsating fluidized bed

The mixing and segregation behaviors of a binary mixture in a pulsating fluidized bed were investigated computationally in this study. A square-wave pulsating flow was applied with different mean inlet superficial velocities, pulsation amplitudes and pulsation frequencies. An increase in mean velocity increased the formation of bubbles and promoted mixing of the flotsam and jetsam in the fluidized bed. Similarly, more bubbles were formed and magnitudes of particle velocity were higher at higher pulsation amplitudes or higher pulsation frequencies. The formation of bubbles generated more vigorous motions within the fluidized bed and higher particle velocities especially at the bed surface where bubbles burst. Bubble formation generally promoted mixing and reduced segregation between flotsam and jetsam in such pulsating fluidized bed systems. [Display omitted] •Mixing and segregation in pulsating fluidized beds were investigated using CFD.•Higher mean inlet superficial velocity increased bubble formation and mixing.•Higher pulsation amplitudes and frequencies also increased number of bubbles formed.•Bubbles increased the velocities of particles in their vicinity and promoted mixing.