On the inherent correlation between the fluidization and flow properties of cohesive powders

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the correlation between fluidization behavior and flow properties of 10 commercially available cohesive powders through fluidization and rotating drum experiments. The rotating drum was operated at high speeds to aerate the powder, creating flow fields and stress conditions comparable to those in gas–solid fluidized beds. We introduce a fluidization quality index (FQI) computed from X‐ray imaging, which addresses the limitations of conventional analyses for assessing fluidization quality of cohesive powders. By analyzing flow patterns, the FQI integrates gas holdup and its temporal variation, providing a reliable measure of fluidization quality. The findings establish a positive correlation between flowability and fluidization quality, demonstrating how flowability measurements can predict the effectiveness of mechanical vibration in enhancing fluidization characteristics. These results suggest that fast, user‐friendly flowability assessments in a rotating drum can effectively predict fluidization potential, contributing to process optimization and advancing fluidization studies for cohesive powders.