On the equilibrium and stability of a fluidized bed as a thermodynamic system

The transfer of the dispersed layer into a fluidized state makes it possible to intensify the drying process. The small size of the particles leads to an increase in the surface of their contact with the coolant at a relatively low hydrodynamic resistance. Other positive qualities of fluidization are listed, which is very important when carrying out exothermic processes. We studied the behavior of the fluidized bed during the drying process. The curve of fluidization of beet chips is shown. The suspended state of the material began when the forces of the hydrodynamic layer were equal to the weight of all its particles per unit area of the cross-section of the working chamber. The region of existence of the fluidized bed is marked. In this area, the flow was relatively equilibrium (fluidized). On the surface of the layer, small waves were observed with different frequencies and amplitudes of oscillations, as well as with spontaneous fluctuations. This mode of operation was achieved as a result of the study of the structures of the support - gas distribution grid and the drying chamber. The flow velocity profile in the working chamber is investigated. An efficient equalization of velocities with the help of flat stamped grids has been established. The results were confirmed by the spectra of the flow in the drying chamber. Oscillations on the free surface of a fluidized bed are considered. The Euler equation was written, which made it possible, as a result of various transformations, to obtain a formula for calculating the oscillation frequency of the fluidized bed. The studies carried out made it possible to establish the regimes of pseudo-fluidization, to a certain extent minimizing the heterogeneity of the layer, which is of significant practical importance. However, the operating parameters need to be adjusted depending on the type of material to be dried and other indicators. The research results do not obscure the general provisions of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The fluidized bed cannot be in an equilibrium state, since the transfer of substances is obvious: energy, mass and momentum. It is correct to regard the fluidized bed as unstable. Small and spontaneous fluctuations always exist in the layer. The absence of conditions for their decay becomes a condition for the instability of the process.