SECTION 2-5

Sedimentation
PROBLEM 5.1
A slurry containing 5 kg of water/kg of solids is to be thickened to a sludge containing
1.5 kg of water/kg of solids in a continuous operation. Laboratory tests using five different
concentrations of the slurry yielded the following results:
concentration Y (kg water/kg solid) 5.0 4.2 3.7 3.1 2.5
rate of sedimentation uc (mm/s) 0.17 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.042
Calculate the minimum area of a thickener to effect the separation of 0.6 kg/s of solids.

Solution
Basis: 1 kg of solids:
1.5 kg water is carried away in underflow so that U = 1

Concentration Y Water to Sedimentation (Y — U)/Uc

(kg rate/kg solids) overflow rate uc (s/mm)
(Y-U ) (mm/s)
5.0 3.5 0.17 20.56
4.2 2.7 0.10 27.0
3.7 2.2 0.08 27.5
3.1 1.6 0.06 26.67
2.5 1.0 0.042 23.81

The maximum value of (Y — U)/uc = 27.5 s/mm or 27,500 s/m.

= Q ( X - U ) Cps
A (equation 5.54)
uc p
Cps = 0.6 kg/s and p = 1000 kg/m3
Hence: A = (27,500 x 0.6)/1000 = 16.5 m2

PROBLEM 5.2

A slurry containing 5 kg of water/kg of solids is to be thickened to a sludge containing

1.5 kg of water/kg of solids in a continuous operation.

39
 Laboratory tests using five different concentrations of the slurry yielded the follow-
ing data:

concentration (kg water/kg solid) 5.0 4.2 3.7 3.1 2.5

rate of sedimentation (mm/s) 0.20 0.12 0.094 0.070 0.052

Calculate the minimum area of a thickener to effect the separation of 1.33 kg/s of solids.

Solution

See Volume 2, Example 5.1.

PROBLEM 5.3

When a suspension of uniform coarse particles settles under the action of gravity, the
relation between the sedimentation velocity uc and the fractional volumetric concentration
C is given by:
—
U0
= {\ -cr ,
where n = 2.3 and u0 is the free falling velocity of the particles. Draw the curve of solids
flux f against concentration and determine the value of C at which f is a maximum and
where the curve has a point of inflexion. What is implied about the settling characteristics
of such a suspension from the Kynch theory? Comment on the validity of the Kynch
theory for such a suspension.

Solution

The given equation is: uc/ u 0 = (1 —C)23

The flux is the mass rate of sedimentation per unit area and is given by:

f = ucC = u0C(1 — C)23 m/s (from equation 5.31)

A plot of f as a function of C is shown in Figure 5a.

To find the maximum flux, this equation may be differentiated to give:

= Mo[(l —C)23 —2.3C(1 —C)13]

dC
= u(>(1 —C)13(1 —3.3C)

For a maximum, d é /á C = 0 and C = 0.30

40
At the point of inflexión:

d2f / d C 2 = 0

Thus: ^ = m0[—3.3(1 - C)13 - 1.3(1 - C)03(l - 3.3C)]

dC2
= «o(1 - C)03(7.6C - 4.6)

When d2f / d C 2 = 0, C = 0.61

The máximum flux and the point of inflexión are shown in Figure 5a. The Kynch theory
is discussed fully in Section 5.2.3.

Figure 5a. Flux-concentration curve for suspension when n = 2.3

PROBLEM 5.4

For the sedimentation of a suspension of uniform fine particles in a liquid, the relation
between observed sedimentation velocity uc and fractional volumetric concentration C is
given by:
— = (1 - C)4'6
uo
where u0 is the free falling velocity of an individual particle. Calculate the concentration
at which the rate of deposition of particles per unit area is a maximum and determine

41
this máximum flux for 0.1 mm spheres of glass of density 2600 kg/m3 settling in water
of density 1000 kg/m3 and viscosity 1 mN s/m2.
It may be assumed that the resistance force F on an isolated sphere is given by
Stokes’ Law.

Solution

See Volume 2, Example 5.3.

PROBLEM 5.5
Calculate the minimum area and diameter of a thickener with a circular basin to treat
0.1 m3/s of a slurry of a solids concentration of 150 kg/m3. The results of batch settling
tests are:
Solids concentration Settling velocity
(kg/m3) (^m/s)

100 148
200 91
300 55.33
400 33.25
500 21.40
600 14.50
700 10.29
800 7.38
900 5.56
1000 4.20
1100 3.27

A value of 1290 kg/m3 for underflow concentration was selected from a retention time
test. Estimate the underflow volumetric flow rate assuming total separation of all solids
and that a clear overflow is obtained.

Solution

The settling rate of the solids, G kg/m2s, is calculated as G = usc where uc is the
settling velocity (m/s) and c the concentration of solids (kg/m3) and the data are plotted
in Figure 5b. From the point u = 0 and c = 1290 kg/m3, a line is drawn which is tangential
to the curve. This intercepts the axis at G = 0.0154 kg/m2s.
The area of the thickener is then:
A = (0.1 x 150)0.0154 = 974 m2

and the diameter is:

d = [(4 x 974)/n]0'5 = 35.2 m

42
 Solids concentration, c (kg/m3)
Figure 5b. Construction for Problem 5.5

The volumetric flow rate of underflow, obtained from a mass balance, is:

= [(0.1 x 150)/1290] = 0.0116 m3/s

43
 SECTION 2-6

Fluidisation
PROBLEM 6.1

Oil, of density 900 kg/m3 and viscosity 3 mN s/m2, is passed vertically upwards through
a bed of catalyst consisting of approximately spherical particles of diameter 0.1 mm and
density 2600 kg/m3. At approximately what mass rate of flow per unit area of bed will
(a) fluidisation, and (b) transport of particles occur?

Solution

See Volume 2, Example 6.2.

PROBLEM 6.2

Calculate the minimum velocity at which spherical particles of density 1600 kg/m3 and of
diameter 1.5 mm will be fluidised by water in a tube of diameter 10 mm on the assumption
that the Carman-Kozeny equation is applicable. Discuss the uncertainties in this calcula-
tion. Repeat the calculation using the Ergun equation and explain the differences in the
results obtained.

Solution

The Carman-Kozeny equation takes the form:

umf = 0.0055[e3/(1 —e)][d2{ps — p)g/i¿] (equation 6.4)

As a wall effect applies in this problem, use is made of equation 4.23 to determine the
correction factor, f w where:
fw = (1 + 0.5SC/S ) 2
where: Sc = surface area of the container/volume of bed
= (n x 0.01 x 1)/[(n/4)(0.012 x 1)] = 400 m2/m 3
S = 6/d for a spherical particle
= [6/(1.5 x 10—3)] = 4000 m2/m 3
Thus: f w = [1 + 0.5(400/4000)]2 = 1.10

44
The uncertainty in this problem lies in the chosen value of the voidage e. If e is taken as
0.45 then:
umf = 0.0055[0.453/(1 - 0.45)][(1.5 x 10—3)2(1600 - 1000) x 9.81]/(1 x 10—3)
= 0.0120 m/s
Allowing for the wall effect:
umf = (0.0120 x 1.10) = 0.0133 m/s

By definition:
Galileo number, Ga = d3p(ps — p ) g / p 2
= (1.5 x 10—3)3 x 1000(1600 — 1000) x 9.81)/(1 x 10—3)2
= 1.99 x 104
Assuming a value of 0.45 for emf , equation 6.14 gives:

R e f = 23.6{^[1 + (9.39 x 10—5)(1.99 x 104)] —1} = 16.4

and from equation 6.15:
umf = [(1 x 10—3) x 16.4]/(1.5 x 10—3 x 1000)
= 0.00995 m/s

As noted in Section 6.1.3 of Volume 2, the Carman-Kozeny equation applies only to

conditions of laminar flow and hence to low values of the Reynolds number for flow
in the bed. In practice, this restricts its application to fine particles. Approaches based
on both the Carman-Kozeny and the Ergun equations are very sensitive to the value of
the voidage and it seems likely that both equations overpredict the pressure drop for
fluidised systems.

PROBLEM 6.3
In a fluidised bed, iso-octane vapour is adsorbed from an air stream onto the surface of
alumina microspheres. The mole fraction of iso-octane in the inlet gas is 1.442 x 10—2
and the mole fraction in the outlet gas is found to vary with time as follows:
Time from start Mole fraction in outlet gas
(s) (x102)
250 0.223
500 0.601
750 0.857
1000 1.062
1250 1.207
1500 1.287
1750 1.338
2000 1.373

45
Show that the results may be interpreted on the assumptions that the solids are completely
mixed, that the gas leaves in equilibrium with the solids and that the adsorption isotherm
is linear over the range considered. If the flowrate of gas is 0.679 x 10-6 kmol/s and the
mass of solids in the bed is 4.66 g, calculate the slope of the adsorption isotherm. What
evidence do the results provide concerning the flow pattern of the gas?

Solution

See Volume 2, Example 6.4.

PROBLEM 6.4

Cold particles of glass ballotini are fluidised with heated air in a bed in which a constant
flow of particles is maintained in a horizontal direction. When steady conditions have
been reached, the temperatures recorded by a bare thermocouple immersed in the bed are:

Distance above bed support Temperature

(mm) (K)
0 339.5
0.64 337.7
1.27 335.0
1.91 333.6
2.54 333.3
3.81 333.2

Calculate the coefficient for heat transfer between the gas and the particles, and the
corresponding values of the particle Reynolds and Nusselt numbers. Comment on the
results and on any assumptions made. The gas flowrate is 0.2 kg/m2 s, the specific heat in
air is 0.88 kJ/kg K, the viscosity of air is 0.015 mN s/m2, the particle diameter is 0.25 mm
and the thermal conductivity of air 0.03 is W/mK.

Solution

See Volume 2, Example 6.5.

PROBLEM 6.5

The relation between bed voidage e and fluid velocity uc for particulate fluidisation of
uniform particles which are small compared with the diameter of the containing vessel is
given by:
uc
= en
U0
where u0 is the free falling velocity.

46
 Discuss the variation of the index n with flow conditions, indicating why this is inde-
pendent of the Reynolds number Re with respect to the particle at very low and very high
valúes of Re. When are appreciable deviations from this relation observed with liquid
fluidised systems?
For particles of glass ballotini with free falling velocities of 10 and 20 mm/s the index
n has a valúe of 2.39. If a mixture of equal volumes of the two particles is fluidised,
what is the relation between the voidage and fluid velocity if it is assumed that complete
segregation is obtained?

Solution

The variation of the index n with flow conditions is fully discussed in Chapters 5 and 6
of Volume 2. The ratio uc/ u 0 is in general, dependent on the Reynolds number, voidage,
and the ratio of particle diameter to that of the containing vessel. At low velocities, that
is when Re < 0.2, the drag force is attributable entirely to skin friction, and at high
velocities when Re > 500 skin friction becomes negligible and in these regions the ratio
uc/ u 0 is independent of Re. For intermediate regions, the data given in Table 5.1 apply.
Considering unit volume of each particle say 1 m3, then:

Voidage of large particles = e1, volume of liquid = e1/(1 —e1).

Voidage of small particles = e2, volume of liquid = e2/(1 —e2).

Total volume of solids = 2 m 3.

Total volume of liquid = e1/(1 —e1) + e2/(1 —e2).
Total volume of system = 2 + e1/(1 —e1) + e2/(1 —e2) m3
e1/(1 —e1) + e2/(1 —e2)
Thus: voidage = -------------------------------------
S 2 + e\¡ (1 —e\) + e2¡ (1 —e2)
__________ gj(l ~ e2) + e2(l ~ ei)________
2(1 - ei)(l - e2) + e i(l - e2) + e2(l - ei)
e1 + e2 —2e1e2
That is: e = -------------------
2 —e1 —e2
But, since the free falling velocities are in the ratio 1: 2, then:

, u \ 1/24 ( u y /2-4
e, = | _ | and
u01 /
Thus: e2 = e121/2'4
ei + ei x 21/2'4 - 23á/2á x e2
at: e
2 —e\ —21/2-4 x e\
(u ¡20)1/24(1 + 2 1/ 2'4) - 23'4/ 24( m / 20)1/1'2
e
2 - (1 + 2 1/2 .4 )( m/20)1/2.4

47
 3u042 - m0.83
6 = 9 _ 3m0.42 (WÍÜ1 U “ mm/S)

and: 9e = 3eu042 = 3u042 —u 0.84

or: .0.84 —3(1 + e)u042 + 9e = 0

and: 0.42 = 1.5(1 + e) + [2.24(1 + e)2 9e]

This relationship is plotted in Figure 6a.

Voidage e
Figure 6a. Plot of the relationship for u in Problem 6.5

PROBLEM 6.6

Obtain a relationship for the ratio of the terminal falling velocity of a particle to the
minimum fluidising velocity for a bed of similar particles. It may be assumed that Stokes’
Law and the Carman-Kozeny equation are applicable. What is the value of the ratio if
the bed voidage at the minimum fluidising velocity is 0.4?

Solution

In a fluidised bed the total frictional force must be equal to the effective weight of
bed. Thus:
—A P = (1 —e)(ps — p)lg (equation 6.1)

Substituting equation 6.1 into equation 4.9, and putting K " = 5, gives:

e3 d 2(ps — p)g
Imf = 0.0055- (equation 6.4)
1 —e

48
 u0 _ / d2g(ps - p) \ / (1 - e) \ / p \
Henee:
umf v 18/x x 0.0055/ V e3 / \ d 2(ps - p ) g )
(1 - e) 3
= ------3------ 3—5- = 10.1(1 - e)/e3
(18 x 0.0055e3) v ”
If e = 0.4, then: u0/ u mf = 94.7 .

The use of the Carman-Kozeny equation is diseussed in Seetion 4.2.3 of Chapter 4.

It is interesting to note that if e = 0.48, whieh was the value taken in Problem 6.1, then
u0/ u f = 47.5, whieh agrees with the solution to that problem.

PROBLEM 6.7

A paeked bed eonsisting of uniform spherieal partieles of diameter 3 mm and den-

sity 4200 kg/m3, is fluidised by means of a liquid of viseosity 1 mN s/m2 and density
1100 kg/m3. Using Ergun’s equation for the pressure drop through a bed height l and
voidage e as a funetion of superfieial veloeity, ealeulate the minimum fluidising veloeity
in terms of the settling veloeity of the partieles in the bed.
State elearly any assumptions made and indieate how elosely the results might be
eonfirmed by an experiment.

-A P (1 —e)2 pu (1 —e) pu2

Ergun’s equation: 150 + 1.75
l e3 d2 e3 d

Solution

The pressure drop through a fluidised bed of height l is:

—A P / l = (1 —e)(ps — p)g (equation 6.1)

Writing u = umf , the minimum fluidising veloeity in Ergun’s equation and substituting
for —A P / H gives:

150(1 - e)2/ p u mf 1.75(1 - e)pu2mf

(1 —e)(ps — p)g (equation 6.7)
e2d2 e2d
150(1 - e)pumf I.15pu2mf
or: (Ps — P)g
e2d2 e2d

If d = 3 x 10 3 m, ps = 4200 kg/m3, p = 1100 kg/m3, p = 1 x 10 3 Ns/m2, and if e

is taken as 0.48 as in Problem 6.1, these values may be substituted to give:

3.04 = 7.84umf + 580umf

or: umf = 0.066 m/s neglecting the negative root.

49
If Stokes’ law applies, then:

u0 = d2g(ps — p)/18p (equation 3.24)

= (3 x 10—3)(9.81 x 3100/18 x 10—3) = 15.21 m/s
Thus: Re = (3 x 10—3 x 15.21 x 4200/10-3) = 1.92 x 105

which is outside the range of Stokes’ law. A Reynolds number of this order lies in the
region (c) of Figure 3.4 where:

u0 = 3dg(ps — p)/p (equation 3.25)

Thus: u2 = (3 x 3 x 10—3 x 9.81 x 3100)/1100
and: u0 = 0.5 m/s

A check on the value of the Reynolds number gives:

Re = (3 x 10—3 x 0.5 x 4200)/10—3 = 6.3 x 103

which is within the limits of region (c).

Henee: u0/ u mf = (0.5/0.066) = 7.5

Empirical relationships for the minimum fluidising velocity are presented as a function
of Reynolds number and this problem illustrates the importance of using the equations
applicable to the particle Reynolds number in question.

PROBLEM 6.8

Ballotini particles, 0.25 mm in diameter, are fluidised by hot air flowing at the rate of
0.2 kg/m2 cross-section of bed to give a bed of voidage 0.5 and a cross-flow of particles is
maintained to remove the heat. Under steady state conditions, a small bare thermocouple
immersed in the bed gives the following data:

Distance above Temperature

bed support C C) (K)
(mm)
0 66.3 339.5
0.625 64.5 337.7
1.25 61.8 335.0
1.875 60.4 333.6
2.5 60.1 333.3
3.75 60.0 333.2

Assuming plug flow of the gas and complete mixing of the solids, calculate the coefficient
for heat transfer between the particles and the gas. The specific heat capacity of air is
0.85 kJ/kg K.

50
 A fluidised bed of total volume 0.1 m3 containing the same partióles is maintained at
an approximately uniform temperature of 425 K by external heating, and a dilute aqueous
solution at 375 K is fed to the bed at the rate of 0.1 kg/s so that the water is completely
evaporated at atmospheric pressure. If the heat transfer coefficient is the same as that
previously determined, what volumetric fraction of the bed is effectively carrying out the
evaporation? The latent heat of vaporisation of water is 2.6 MJ/kg.

Solution

See Volume 2, Example 6.6.

PROBLEM 6.9

An electrically heated element of surface area 12 cm2 is completely immersed in a flu-

idised bed. The resistance of the element is measured as a function of the voltage applied
to it giving the following data:

Potential (V) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Resistance (ohms) 15.47 15.63 15.91 16.32 16.83 17.48

The relation between resistance Rw and temperature Tw is:

Rw
= 0.004rw - 0.092
R0
where R0, is the resistance of the wire at 273 K is 14 ohms and Tw is in K. Estimate
the bed temperature and the value of the heat transfer coefficient between the surface and
the bed.

Solution

The heat generation rate by electrical heating = V 2/R

The rate of heat dissipation = hA(Tw — TB)

where Tw and TB are the wire and bed temperatures respectively.

At equilibrium, V 2/ R w = hA(Tw — TB)

But: Rw/R0 = 0.004Tw — 0.092

so that: Tw = 250(Rw/Ro) + 23
2 250hAR wRw
Thus: V2 = -------- h ARw(TB - 23)
R0
where Rw is a mean value of Rw noting that the mean cannot be used inside the bracket
in the equation for Tw.

51
 Thus a plot of V 2 against Rw should yield a line of slope = 250 h ARw/ R 0. This is
shown in Figure 6b from which the value of the slope is 17.4.

Figure 6b. A plot of V 2 and Rw for Problem 6.9

Henee: h = (17.4 x 14)/(250 x 12 x 10“4 x 16.5) = 49.2 W/m2K

The bed temperature is found by the intercept at V 2 = 0 that is when Rw = 15.4 ohm
Thus: Tb = 250(15.4/14) + 23 = 298 K .

PROBLEM 6.10

(a) Explain why the sedimentation velocity of uniform coarse particles in a suspension
decreases as the concentration is increased. Identify and, where possible, quantify
the various factors involved.
(b) Discuss the similarities and differences in the hydrodynamics of a sedimenting
suspension of uniform particles and of an evenly fluidised bed of the same particles
in the liquid.
(c) A liquid fluidised bed consists of equal volumes of spherical particles 0.5 mm
and 1.0 mm in diameter. The bed is fluidised and complete segregation of the

52
 two species occurs. When the liquid flow is stopped the partióles settle to form a
segregated two-layer bed. The liquid flow is then started again. When the velocity
is such that the larger particles are at their incipient fluidisation point what will be
the approximate voidage of the fluidised bed composed of the smaller particles?
It may be assumed that the drag force F of the fluid on the particles under the
free falling conditions is given by Stokes’ law and that the relation between the
fluidisation velocity uc and voidage, e, for particles of terminal velocity, u0, is
given by:
uc/ u 0 = e48

For Stokes’ law, the force F on the particles is given by F = 3npdu0, where d is
the particle diameter and i is the viscosity of the liquid.

Solution

Parts (a) and (b) of this Problem are considered in Volume 2, Chapter 6. Attention is now
concentrated on part (c).
A force balance gives:

3 np du c = (n/6)d}(ps — p)g
Thus: Uc = (d2g/18i)(ps — p)g
That is: uc = kid2 (i)

For larger particles and assuming that the voidage at umf = 0.45,

then: uc/ u 0L = 0.45" (ii)

For smaller particles:

Uc/Uos = e"
uc has the same ki both large and small particles and from equation (i):

uos = uol/4

Thus: 4Uc/U0L = e" (iii)

Dividing equation (iii) by equation (ii) gives:

4 = (e/045)" = (e/045)48
Thus: 1.334 = e/045
and: e = 0.60

PROBLEM 6.11

The relation between the concentration of a suspension and its sedimentation velocity is
of the same form as that between velocity and concentration in a fluidised bed. Explain

53
this in terms of the hydrodynamics of the two systems. A suspensión of uniform spherical
partióles in a liquid is allowed to settle and, when the sedimentation velocity is measured
as a function of concentration, the following results are obtained:
Fractional volumetric concentration (C) Sedimentation velocity (ucm/s)
0.35 1.10
0.25 2.19
0.15 3.99
0.05 6.82
Estimate the terminal falling velocity u0 of the particles at infinite dilution. On the assump-
tion that Stokes’ law is applicable, calculate the particle diameter d .
The particle density, ps = 2600 kg/m3, the liquid density, p = 1000 kg/m3, and the
liquid viscosity, p = 0.1 Ns/m2.
What will be the minimum fluidising velocity of the system? Stokes’ law states that
the force on a spherical particle = 3npdu0.

Solution

The relation between uc and C is:

Uc/U0 = (1 - C)n (i)

u0 and n may be obtained by plotting log10 uc and log10(1 —C). This will give a straight
line of slope n and u0 is given by the intercept which corresponds to c = 0 at ln(1 —c) = 0.
Alternatively on algebraic solution may be sought as follows:
C 1 —c log10(1 —C) uc log10 uc
0.35 0.65 —0.187 1.10 0.0414
0.25 0.75 —0.125 2.19 0.8404
0.15 0.85 —0.0706 3.99 0.6010
0.05 0.95 —0.0222 6.82 0.8338
Taking logarithms of equation (i) gives:

log10 uc = log10 u0 + n log10(1 —c) (ii)

Inserting values from the table into equation (ii) gives:

0.0414 = log10 uc + n( -0.187) (iii)
0.8404 = log10 uc + n( —0.125) (iv)
0.6010 = log10 uc + n( —0.0706) (v)
0.8338 = log10 uc + n( —0.0222) (vi)
Any two of the equations (iii)-(vi) may be used to evaluate log10 u0 and n.
Substituting (iii) from (v):

0.5396 = 0.116n and n = 4.8

54
Substituting (iv) from (vi):
0.4934 = 0.103n and n = 4.8 which is consistent.
Substituting in equation (v):
log10 U0 = 0.6010 + (0.0706 x 4.8) = 0.94
Substituting in equation (vi):
log10 u0 = 0.8338 + (0.0222 x 4.8) = 0.94 which is consistent
and henee: «o = 8.72 mm/s

A force balance gives:

3n pd u0 = (n/6)di (ps — p)g
and: d = [(18[iu0/(g(ps — p))]05
= [(18 x 0.1 x 8.72 x 10—3)/(9.81(2600 — 1000))]05
= 0.001 m or 1 mm

Assuming that emf = 0.45, then:

umf = u0 emf
= 8.72 x 0.454 8
= 0.19 mm/s

PROBLEM 6.12
A mixture of two sizes of glass spheres of diameters 0.75 and 1.5 mm is fluidised by a
liquid and complete segregation of the two species of particles occurs, with the smaller
particles constituting the upper portion of the bed and the larger particles in the lower
portion. When the voidage of the lower bed is 0.6, what will be the voidage of the
upper bed?
The liquid velocity is increased until the smaller particles are completely transported
from the bed. What is the minimum voidage of the lower bed at which this phenomenon
will occur?
It may be assumed that the terminal falling velocities of both particles may be calculated
from Stokes’ law and that the relationship between the fluidisation velocity u and the bed
voidage e is given by:
(uc/u0) = e46

Solution
A force balance gives:
(n/6)d}(ps — p)g = 3 n p d u 0
from which: u0 = (d2g/18fi)(ps — p)

55
and henee, for constant viscosity and densities:

u0 = k1d2

For large particles of diameter dL:

u0 = k\d'L

The voidage, 0.6, achieved at velocity u is given by:

u / k 1dL = 0.646

For small particles of diameter ds, the voidage e at this velocity is given by:

u/kiáS2 = e46
Dividing: d2J d 2L = (0.6/e)46

Since ds/dL = 0.5, (ds/dL)2 = 0.25 and:

0.25 = (0.6/e)46
from which: e = 0.81

For transport of the smaller particles just to occur, the voidage of the upper bed is
unity and:
0.25 = (e/1)4'6

from which, for the large particles:

e = 0.74

PROBLEM 6.13

(a) Calculate the terminal falling velocities in water of glass particles of diameter
12 mm and density 2500 kg/m3, and of metal particles of diameter 1.5 mm and
density 7500 kg/m3.
It may be assumed that the particles are spherical and that, in both cases, the friction
factor, R'/ pu2 is constant at 0.22, where R' is the force on the particle per unit
of projected area of the particle, p is the fluid density and u the velocity of the
particle relative to the fluid.
(b) Why is the sedimentation velocity lower when the particle concentration in the sus-
pension is high? Compare the behaviour of the concentrated suspension of particles
settling under gravity in a liquid with that of a fluidised bed of the same particles.
(c) At what water velocity will fluidised beds of the glass and metal particles have the
same densities? The relation between the fluidisation velocity uc terminal velocity
u0 and bed voidage e is given for both particles by:

(uc/u0) = e2'30

56
Solution
For spheres, a take balance gives:
R'(n/4)d2 = (n/6)d3(ps - p)g
or: R' = (2d/3)(ps - p)g = ( R / p u ^ p u l = 0.22pu0 ^ (2/g)pu0
Thus: uo = [3dg(ps - p ) / p f '5
For the metal particles:
U0 = [(3 x 1.5 x 10-3 x 6500 x 9.81)/1000]0 5
= 0.536 m/s

For the glass particles:

U0 = [(3 x 12 x 10-3 x 1500 x 9.81)/1000]0 5
= 0.727 m/s.

For the fluidised bed:

The density of the suspension = ep + (1 - e)ps
For the metal particles:
(uc/0.536) = e!230 (i)
For the glass particles:
(uc/0.727) = e2230 (ii)
and from equations (i) and (ii):
(ex/e2) = (0.727/0.536)1/2'30 = 1.142
For equal bed densities:
e1p(1 - e1)pS1 = e2P + (1 - e2)pS2 (iii)
Thus: (1.142e1)1000 + (1 - 1.142e2)7500 = 1000e2 + (1 - e2)2500
from which: e3 = 0.844
and: uc = (0.727 x 0.844230) = 0.492 m/s

Substituting in equation (iii):

e1 = 0.964
and: uc = (0.536 x 0.964230) = 0.493 m/s

PROBLEM 6.14
Glass spheres are fluidised by water at a velocity equal to one half of their terminal falling
velocities. Calculate:

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 (a) the density of the fluidised bed,
(b) the pressure gradient in the bed attributable to the presence of the partióles.

The partióles are 2 mm in diameter and have a density of 2500 kg/m3. The density and
viscosity of water are 1000 kg/m3 and 1 mNs/m2 respectively.

Solution

The Galileo number is given by:

Ga = d3p(ps - p)g/i¿2
= [(2 x 10-3)3 x 1000(2500 - 1000) x 9.81]/(1 x 10-3)2
= 117,720

From equation 5.79:

(4.8 - n)/(n - 2.4) = 0.043Ga0 57

= 0.043 x 117,720057 = 33.4
and: n = 2.47
u/u0 = 0.5 = e247
and henee: e = 0.755

The bed density is given by:

(1 - e)ps + ep = (1 - 0.755) x 2500 + (0.755 x 1000)

= 1367 kg/m3

The pressure gradient due to the solids is given by:

{[(1 - e)ps + ep] - p }g = (1 - e)(ps - p)g

= (1 - 0.755)(2500 - 1000)9.81
= 3605 (N/m2)/m

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