CFD-DEM simulation of a conical spouted bed with open-sided draft tube containing fine particles

A full 3D model of a conical spouted bed equipped with an open-sided draft tube was simulated using CFD-DEM embedded in a commercial CFD code ANSYS-FLUENT. The dense discrete phase model (DDPM) with DEM closure for particle–particle interaction available in the FLUENT was used for the particulate phase. The dispersed k-e turbulent model was used in the computational model for the gas phase. The geometry used in the simulation for both the contactor and the open-sided draft tube was identical to that of a pilot plant in which the hydrodynamic studies were carried out. The influence of the open-sided draft tube was studied by using two configurations, one flushed with the bed surface and the other one protruding above the bed surface. The CFD-DEM results indicated that the accuracy of model predictions significantly depends on the modification in the Gidaspow drag function. The predicted pressure drops and fountain heights were consistent with the experimental data. New aspects of particle flow pattern, axial solid velocity, solid volume fraction in the bed, and power spectral density have also been discussed.