Using particle imaging velocimetry (PIV), we observed particle motion within the stable operating regime of a swirling fluidized bed with an annular blade distributor. This paper presents velocity profiles of particle flow in an effort to determine effects from blade angle, particle size and shape and bed weight on characteristics of a swirling fluidized bed. Generally, particle velocity increased with airflow rate and shallow bed height, but decreased with bed weight. A 3o increase in blade angle reduced particle velocity by approximately 18%. In addition, particle shape, size and bed weight affected various characteristics of the swirling regime. Swirling began soon after incipience in the form of a supra-linear curve, which is the characteristic of a swirling regime. The relationship between particle and gas velocities enabled us to predict heat and mass transfer rates between gas and particles

The particle motion within a stable swirling operation regime of a fluidized bed is investigated. Particle image velocimetry was used to elaborate the hydrodynamics of multi-sized particles fluidized at different air distributor blade angles. The experimental results revealed that the superficial velocity is the most prominent aspect affecting the hydrodynamics of a swirling fluidized bed (SFB) followed by the bed weight, particle shape, and blade inclination angle. Particles of different sizes and shapes fluidized well in the SFB which emphasizes its superiority over contemporary techniques. The slug-wavy regime in the SFB is promising and has considerable potential, especially for diffusion-controlled reactions and processes in the industry. The particle velocity increased with air flow rate at shallow bed height but decreased with bed weight.