Experimental and theoretical study of a micro-fluidized bed

V. Zivkovic, M. N. Kashani, M. J. Biggs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Large industrial scale fluidized beds (FBs) have been widely used because of their ability to greatly enhance mixing and both heat and mass transfer. This suggests that fluidized beds may offer a means of overcoming the poor mixing and transport characteristics of microfluidic devices where low Reynolds number flows prevail. We report experimental findings on liquid fluidization in microfluidic channels of 200-400 μm in size. Excellent fluidization is observed for various particles fluidized in ethanol where surface forces between the particles and the microfluidic channel are weak. In contrast, adhesion of the particles to the walls and subsequent de-fluidization is observed when water is used as the fluidizing medium. These findings demonstrate the importance of surface forces in micro-fluidized beds. We also find that conventional theories are able to explain the impact of surface forces on fluidization and, provided the effect of the walls on the particle packing and porosity is accounted for, the fluidization behavior.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPowders and Grains 2013
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 7th International Conference on Micromechanics of Granular Media
PublisherAIP Publishing
Pages93-96
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9780735411661
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Event7th International Conference on Micromechanics of Granular Media: Powders and Grains 2013 - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Duration: 8 Jul 201312 Jul 2013

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1542
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on Micromechanics of Granular Media: Powders and Grains 2013
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney, NSW
Period8/07/1312/07/13

Keywords

  • Fluidization
  • Liquid fluidized bed
  • Microfluidics
  • Microfluidized bed
  • Multiphase flow

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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