Experimental Study and DEM Numerical Simulation of Dry/Wet Particle Flow Behaviors in a Spouted Bed

In this study, wet particle flow behaviors were investigated in a spouted bed using numerical simulations and experiments. Effects of liquid contents and viscosities were investigated. For the experiment, instantaneous particle distribution and particle velocity distributions were explored. Liquid content and viscosity affected flow pattern together. Keeping increasing liquid content and viscosity, the flow pattern displayed flow instabilities, and the gas channel became curved. Numerical simulation results of time-averaged particle velocities agreed well with the experimental data. The regime map of domination forces is shown. Drag force has little effect on particle flow behaviors with liquid viscosity exceeding 10 mPa·s, and contact and liquid bridge forces were almost 50–50. Furthermore, effects of liquid content and viscosity on particle granular temperature and velocity were explored. The experimental and numerical simulation results might provide theoretical guidance for reactor design and further investigation on particle flow behaviors with cohesive liquid.