A Short Review on Spouted Beds: Properties, Applications, Experimental Studies and Hydrodynamic Modeling

This study is performed to review previous attempts presented on the hydrodynamic behavior of the spouted beds from the viewpoint of experimental efforts as well as mathematical modeling and simulations. Various configurations of spouted beds and their applications are first described following by a precise review of papers and reports presented on the performance of this effective apparatus form the time of invention (in 1955) until now. A number of studies have been carried out in order to determine the flow patterns of both gas and solid phases and/or to present empirical correlations for key parameters including the minimum spouting velocity, pressure drop and drag force. From the literature review it may be deduced that the dominant force in the gas- and solid-phases momentum balances is the two-phase interaction force which may be determined on the basis of empirical correlations. A Conclusion has been reached in the present study that while an interphase model may be appropriate for some spouted bed applications, it may lead to large errors in case of certain other configurations. This study may help the researchers to recognize the applicability and weakness of the available models and to apply proper correlations.