Item Description

Features

• Experimental investigation of the fluidization process
• Comparison of fluidized bed formation in gases and liquids
• Pressure loss in fixed beds and fluidized beds
• Optimum observation of processes through transparent tanks

Bulk solids can be transformed from a fixed bed into a fluidized bed when liquids or gases pass through them. The areas of application of fluidized beds include the drying of solids and a wide variety of chemical processes.

Sci-tech Fluidized Bed Formation Apparatus Model FM 91 features two transparent test tanks for fluidized bed formation in water and air. A diaphragm pump delivers water from a storage tank into the bottom of the left side test tank. The water flows upwards through a porous sintered-metal plate. On the sintered-metal plate is a bulk solid. If the velocity of the water is less than the so-called fluidization velocity, the flow merely passes through the fixed bed. At higher velocities the bed is loosened to such an extent that individual solid particles are suspended by the fluid. If the velocity is increased further, particles are carried out of the fluidized bed. A filter at the top of the test tank holds these particles back. The water flows back into the storage tank.

The right-side test tank is similar in construction to the left-side one. An air flow generated by a compressor flows through it.

Manometers are mounted on both test tanks to measure the pressure loss. The flow rates are adjusted by way of valves, and can be read from flow meters. The test tanks are removable. This makes it easy to change the bulk solid filling.

Glass-shot beads in a range of particle sizes are provided as the bulk solid filling.

Optional ‘Sci-Cal’ Computer Control Software & Interface in ‘LabVIEW’