Optimization of the fluidized bed for crystallization process: seed fluidization study

Abstract

To investigate the influence of seed fluidization on the operation and design of the fluidized bed for crystallization process, the relationships between the seed mass, seed size (L), the minimum fluidization velocity (U mf), and the terminal velocity (U t) were determined using quartz sand. The results show that the equation U mf = 7.40 × 10-4 × L 0.51 can be used to predict the minimum fluidization velocity at the seed size range of 176.5-844.6 μm. The equation U t = 7.72 × 10-6 × L 1.38 can be used to predict the terminal velocity at the seed size range of 109.7-763.1 μm. The pressure difference of the FBR can be used to estimate the seed mass. The design of the sedimentation zone and the adjustment of the reflux flow are possible ways to control the fluid velocity between the minimum fluidization velocity and the terminal velocity, allowing the seed to maintain fluidization without running out of the fluidized bed.