Assessing the formation and destruction behaviors of fine powder agglomerates in vibrating fluidized beds using the Ergun equation.

The recycling and reutilization of powdery/dust waste are becoming increasingly important for ensuring a sustainable environment and decreasing the cost of waste disposal. In this regard, we examined component separation using a vibrating fluidized bed based on the differences in the agglomeration properties of the particles of each component. In the proposed separation method, the knowledge of agglomerate formation and destruction in a fluidized bed is essential. In this study, the effects of particle properties on agglomerate formation and destruction in a vibrating fluidized bed were investigated. Rutile and anatase titanium oxide and zinc oxide were used as test powders. The changes in the powder layer height and pressure drop were recorded. The results were utilized to compute the changes in the agglomerate size using the Ergun equation, and agglomerate formation and destruction were evaluated. Furthermore, the relationship between the equilibrium agglomerate size and vibration intensity was investigated. [Display omitted] • Behaviors of agglomerates in vibrating fluidized bed were examined. • Rutile and anatase TiO 2 and ZnO powders were used. • Formation and destruction behaviors were investigated. • Powder behaviors differed based on the powder type. • Apparent agglomerate size represented average degree of agglomeration progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]