A solids mixing rate correlation for small scale fluidized beds

A new first degree solids mixing rate is proposed to evaluate the mixing of solids in small scale Iluidized beds. Particle mixing experiments were carried out in a 2D fluidized bed with a cross-section of 0.02 m × 0.2 m and a height of Im. white and black particles with average diameters of 850 and 450 μm were used in our experiments. Image processing was used to measure the concentration of the tracers at different times. The effects of four representative operating parameters （superficial gas velocity, ratio of tracer particles to bed particles, tracer particle position, and particle size） on mixing are discussed with reference to the mixing index. We found that the Lacey index depends on the concentration of the tracers, The position of the tracers affects the initial mixing rate but not the final degree of mixing. However, the new mixing rate equation does not depend on the initial configuration of the particles because this situation is considered to be the initial condition. Using the data obtained in this work and that found in literature, an empirical correlation is proposed to evaluate the mixing rate constant as a function of dimensionless numbers （Archimedes, Reynolds, and Froude） in small scale fluidized beds. This correlation allows for an estimation of the mixing rate under different operating conditions and for the detection of the end point and/or the time of mixing.

Multistate transition and coupled solid-liquid modeling of motion process of long-runout landslide

The recognition,repetition and prediction of the post-failure motion process of long-runout landslides are key scientific problems in the prevention and mitigation of geological disasters.In this study,a new numerical method involving LPF3D based on a multialgorithm and multiconstitutive model was proposed to simulate long-runout landslides with high precision and efficiency.The following results were obtained:(a)The motion process of landslides showed a steric effect with mobility,including gradual disintegration and spreading.The sliding mass can be divided into three states(dense,dilute and ultradilute)in the motion process,which can be solved by three dynamic regimes(friction,collision,and inertial);(b)Coupling simulation between the solid grain and liquid phases was achieved,focusing on drag force influences;(c)Different algorithms and constitutive models were employed in phase-state simulations.The volume fraction is an important indicator to distinguish different state types and solid‒liquid ratios.The flume experimental results were favorably validated against long-runout landslide case data;and(d)In this method,matched dynamic numerical modeling was developed to better capture the realistic motion process of long-runout landslides,and the advantages of continuum media and discrete media were combined to improve the computational accuracy and efficiency.This new method can reflect the realistic physical and mechanical processes in long-runout landslide motion and provide a suitable method for risk assessment and pre-failure prediction.

Numerical simulation of local and global mixing/segregation characteristics in a gas–solid fluidized bed

Researches on solids mixing and segregation are of great significance for the operation and design of fluidized bed reactors.In this paper,the local and global mixing and segregation characteristics of binary mixtures were investigated in a gas–solid fluidized bed by computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method(CFD-DEM)coupled approach.A methodology based on solids mixing entropy was developed to quantitatively calculate the mixing degree and time of the bed.The mixing curves of global mixing entropy were acquired,and the distribution maps of local mixing entropy and mixing time were also obtained.By comparing different operating conditions,the effects of superficial gas velocity,particle density ratio and size ratio on mixing/segregation behavior were discussed.Results showed that for the partial mixing state,the fluidized bed can be divided into three parts along the bed height:complete segregation area,transition area and stable mixing area.These areas showed different mixing/segregation processes.Increasing gas velocity promoted the local and global mixing of binary mixtures.The increase in particle density ratio and size ratio enlarged the complete segregation area,reduced the mixing degree and increased the mixing time in the stable mixing area.

Growth properties of mixed liquor suspended solids in SMBR for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment

This paper presents the performance results of a 366-day pilot-scale submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) for treating high-strength pharmaceutical wastewater. The study focuses on the growth properties of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in SMBR operated at high volumetric loading rates. The influences of MLSS on COD removal,sludge yield,oxygen utilization rates and sludge viscosity are studied. Results show that the bioreactor can be operated at higher volumetric loading rate with a low sludge yield. VSS/SS and observed sludge yield coefficient (Yo) present a decreasing trend with the decrease of hydraulic retention time (HRT) . Sludge oxygen utilization rate decreases with the increase of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) . A mathematical model between sludge viscosity and MLSS is developed.

Review on the nanoparticle fluidization science and technology

Gas fluidization has an ability to turn static particles to fluid-like dense flow, which allows greatly improved heat transfer among porous powders and highly efficient solid processing to become reality. As the rising star of current scientific research, some nanoparticles can also be fluidized in the form of agglomerates, with sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of microns. Herein, we have reviewed the recent progress on nanomaterial agglomeration and their fluidization behavior, the assisted techniques to enhance the fluidization of nanomaterials,including some mechanical measures, external fields and improved gas injections, as well as their effects on solid fluidization and mixing behaviors. Most of these techniques are effective in breaking large agglomerates and promoting particulate fluidization, meanwhile, the solid mixing is intensified under assisted fluidization. The applications of nanofluidization in nanostructured material production and sustainable chemical industry are further presented. In summary, the fluidization science of multidimensional, multicomponent and multifunctional particles, their multi-phase characterization, and the guideline of fluidized bed coupled process are prerequisites for the sustainable development of fluidized bed based materials, energy and chemical industry.

Variation of biological and hydrological parameters and nitrogen removal optimization of modified Carrousel oxidation ditch process

To enhance the nitrogen removal,a systemic monitoring of the biological and hydrological parameters of Carrousel oxidation ditch in Chongqing Jingkou Wastewater Treatment Plant was carried out to study the feasibility of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification(SND).The variation and distribution of parameters such as flow velocity,concentration of dissolved oxygen(DO) and mixed liquor suspended solids(MLSS) in oxidation ditch were monitored and analyzed,which were major control factors for SND.The results showed that,the dimensional distribution of flow velocity,DO and MLSS were affected significantly by the operation condition of the aeration wheels.With all the four aeration wheels being in operation,DO and flow velocity were higher and the mixing of MLSS was sufficient.With three aeration wheels being in operation,the flow velocity in most of the bottom areas was enough to meet the basic requirements of no deposition,and the anaerobic region and aerobic region could exist simultaneously in one oxidation ditch,which was helpful to the process of SND.According to spatial distribution characteristics of the flow velocity,DO and soluble components under optimized condition,different functional zones of biochemical reaction in the Carrousel oxidation ditch system were defined,which might contribute to the optimization control and SND of Carrousel oxidation ditch.

Study on Effect of Performance on Excess Sludge Disintegration by Ozone

In order to study the effect of excess sludge ozonation, a continuous experiment in lab scale process was carried out. During the treatment process, a high level of ozone was produced by the electrolysis-type ozone generator, and various parameters, such as Soluble Chemical Oxygen Demand （SCOD）, Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids （MLSS）, Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids （MLVSS）, pH and so on, which char- acterize sludge were investigated. A substantial reduction in the volume of sludge and the release of intracellular materials were observed： SCOD proliferated as a consequence of extending the ozone feeding time; MLSS and MLVSS, especially the ratio of MLVSS to MLSS, dwindled as the action time rose. Through analyzing the effluent quality and excess sludge activity, the sludge-water volume mixture ratio of 1 ： 20 with 50 -60 minutes＇ oxidation treatment was found to be the optimal condition for ozonic disintegration of excess sludge. A remarkable sludge reduction rate of 57% could be achieved under the ozone feeding time of 40 minutes, which revealed the optimal action time.

Treatment of Chinese traditional medicine wastewater in a submerged membrane bioreactor

A pilot scale test was conducted in a submerged membrane bioreactor SMBR with capacity of 10. 0 m^3/d for 120 days to treat high-strength Chinese traditional medicine wastewater. Performance of the SMBR was investigated with a sludge retention time （ TSR ） of 50 days, a hydraulic retention time （ THR ） of 8.0 h, membrane flux of 8. 0 IV（ m^2 · h） and dissolved oxygen （DO） concentration of 2. 0 - 3. 0 mg/L, respectively. It was observed that the SMBR had high capacity of COD and suspended solid （SS） removal. The influent COD concentration was fluctuated between I 000 and 5 000 mg/L, while the averaged effluent COl） concentration was only 44. 6 mg/L. The influent SS concentration was fluctuated between 1 000 and 1 600 mg/L, while little effluent SS was detected. It was found that the COD remove rate increased with mixed liquor suspended solids （MLSS） and organic loading rate （ROL）. In order to obtain good-quality effluent, the operational conditions of the SMBR were suggested as follows： the temperature was controlled above 10 ℃, MLSS about 7000 mg/L, R,L under 24. 76 kg/（ m^3 · d）, low vacuum value and constant water flux.

Design factors affecting the dynamic performance of soil suspension in an agitated, baffled tank

The effects of particle size, impeller clearance and impeller speed are assessed to show how condition variations influence power consumption in the water-solid slurry suspension in an agitated tank. The energy efficiency of slurry height variation, impeller type and diameter, and solid movement speed has been investigated with six soil series stirred in a soil-water slurry. Coarser sand particles are observed to significantly increase power consumption, while finer particles, for instance clay, decrease the stirring power requirement. The 3-blade HR100 SUPERMIX? impeller manufactured by SATAKE generally performs more efficiently than a conventional4-pitched blade turbine. The impeller's geometric design, including diameter and number of blades influences the impeller's energy efficiency, and HR100 impellers with greater diameters remarkably reduce power consumption. The tests demonstrated that the power required to provide off-bottom solid suspension and solid dispersion can be reduced dramatically by increasing the slurry height rather than by accelerating the impeller, if this option is possible.

A mixed integer linear programming approach for municipal solid waste management

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Particle mixing rates using the two-fluid model

In this work, a new methodology is introduced to calculate the solids mixing rate in dense gas-fluidized beds using the two-fluid model. The implementation of this methodology into an existing two-fluid model code was carefully verified. The solids phase continuity equation was satisfied using our method, and the sensitivity of the computational results to the time step, computational cell size, and discretization scheme was investigated to determine the optimal simulation settings. Using these simulation settings, the degree of solids mixing was observed to rapidly （exponentially） increase with increasing operating pressure and linearly decrease with increasing bed diameter. Our novel methodology can be applied to analyze mixing processes in large lab-scale beds as an alternative to existing time-consuming simulation techniques such as computational fluid dynamics combined with the discrete element model.

CFD-DEM study of impacts of the porous distributor medium on fluidization characteristics of a 2D-fluidized bed

Gas-solid bubbling fluidized beds are widely used in chemical,energy,construction,and other industrial fields due to their excellent fluidization performance.2D-fluidized beds with planar rectangular columns of finite thickness are widely used in fluidized bed studies,and it is essential for understanding the hydrodynamics of gas-particle systems.Moreover,the distributor(porous medium)at the bottom of the bed has a crucial influence on the fluidization performance of the 2D-fluidized bed.In this work,the fluidization mechanism and gas-solid dynamic characteristics of the fluidized bed under three porous media are studied by CFD-DEM coupled with the porous medium model,and the accuracy of numerical simulation is verified by a high-speed photography experiment.Results show that with the increase in the flow resistance of the porous medium,the average and standard deviation of the bubble diameter decrease,and the time and position of particles in the dead zone to participate in the core-annular flow advance.At a low fluidization velocity,the dead zone in the bed can be considerably reduced by increasing the flow resistance.

Influence of bubbles on the segregated stability of fine coal in a vibrated dense medium gas-solid fluidized bed

In this paper,the variation of bubble size and number in the separation process of vibrated fluidized bed as well as the influence of bubble movement on the axial distribution of fine coal in different positions of the bed were studied.The result revealed that the size and number of bubbles is correlated with the fine coal separation effect in the separation process.When the bed is in a uniform and stable fluidized state,the size of bubbles in the separation process was in the range of 1-2.5 cm and the number of bubbles was reduced by nearly 50%,which is helpful to promote the stratification and segregation of fine coal.Thereby,after separation,the ash content of refined coal products of anthracite and 1/3 coking coal was reduced to 12.1% and 23.7% respectively,and the content of refined coal was up to 42.5% and 68.5% respectively,which show that the vibrated fluidized bed has a good separation performance,and can separate efficiently the coal of size−6+1 mm.

Methane partial oxidation over NiO-MgO/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalysts

Methane partial oxidation （MPO） is considered as an alternative method to produce hydrogen because it is an exothermic reaction to afford a suitable H2/CO ratio of 2. However, carbon deposition on a catalyst is observed as a major cause of catalyst deactivation in MPO. In order to find suitable catalysts that prevent the carbon deposition, NiO-MgO/Ce0.75Zr0.2502 （CZO） supported catalysts were prepared via the co-impregnation （C） and sequential incipient wetness impregnation （S） methods. The amount of Ni loading was fixed at 15 wt-% whereas the amount of MgO loading was varied from 5 to 15 wt-%. The results revealed that the addition of MgO shifted the light-off temperatures to higher temperatures. This is because the Ni surface was partially covered with MgO, and the strong interaction between NiO and NiMgO2 over CZO support led to the difficulty in reducing NiO to active Ni~ and thus less catalytic activity. However, among the catalysts tested, the 15Ni5Mg/CZO （S） catalyst exhibited the best catalytic stability for MPO after 18 h on stream at 750℃. Moreover, this catalyst had a better resistance to carbon deposition due to its high metallic Ni dispersion at high temperature.

Aeration optimization through operation at low dissolved oxygen concentrations:Evaluation of oxygen mass transfer dynamics in different activated sludge systems

In wastewater treatment plants（WWTPs）using the activated sludge process,two methods are widely used to improve aeration efficiency — use of high-efficiency aeration devices and optimizing the aeration control strategy. Aeration efficiency is closely linked to sludge characteristics（such as concentrations of mixed liquor suspended solids（MLSS）and microbial communities）and operating conditions（such as air flow rate and operational dissolved oxygen（DO）concentrations）. Moreover,operational DO is closely linked to effluent quality. This study,which is in reference to WWTP discharge class A Chinese standard effluent criteria,determined the growth kinetics parameters of nitrifiers at different DO levels in small-scale tests. Results showed that the activated sludge system could meet effluent criteria when DO was as low as 0.3 mg/L,and that nitrifier communities cultivated under low DO conditions had higher oxygen affinity than those cultivated under high DO conditions,as indicated by the oxygen half-saturation constant and nitrification ability. Based on nitrifier growth kinetics and on the oxygen mass transfer dynamic model（determined using different air flow rate（Q′air）and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids（MLVSS）values）,theoretical analysis indicated limited potential for energy saving by improving aeration diffuser performance when the activated sludge system had low oxygen consumption; however,operating at low DO and low MLVSS could significantly reduce energy consumption. Finally,a control strategy coupling sludge retention time and MLVSS to minimize the DO level was discussed,which is critical to appropriate setting of the oxygen point and to the operation of low DO treatment technology.

Predicting minimum fluidization velocities of multi-component solid mixtures

Employing well-established mixing rules for mean properties, appropriate expressions are derived for predicting minimum fluidization velocities of multi-component solid mixtures in terms of mono- component values for the velocity and the bed voidage at incipient fluidization. Based on flow regime and the mixing level of constituent species, it is found that these relationships differ significantly from each other, whether related to size-different or density-different mixtures. For mixed beds of size-different mixtures, the effect of volume contraction is accounted for by the mean voidage term, which is absent for segregated beds. Incorporating the volume-change of mixing leads to values of the mixture minimum fluidization velocities even lower than corresponding values for segregated bed, thus conforming to the trend reported in the literature. Size-different mixtures exhibit flow regime dependence irrespective of whether the bed is mixed or segregated. On the other hand, the mixing of constituent species does not affect the minimum fiuidization velocity of density-different mixtures, as the difference in the expres- sions for a segregated and a mixed system is rather inconsequential. Comparison with experimental data available in the literature is made to test the efficacy of the minimum fluidization velocity expressions derived here.

NUMERICAL STUDIES FOR GAS SOLID TWO PHASE STEADY MIXED CONVECTION PROBLEMS WITH PHASE CHANGE

A mathematical model for describing gas solid two phase steady mixed convection with phase change has been developed and numerical calculation methods presented.A melting liquid droplet failing a counter gas currenl expe- riences three processes,cooling of liquid droplet,solidification and cooling of the solid particle.The turbulent model used for Rayleigh number greater than 10~6 is a two equation(k—ε)model of turbulence.For phase change,an improved enthalpy method with varied time step is proposed.The gas particle two phase flow is described by using Eulerian-Lagrangian approach.Modified SIMPLE algorithm and Runge-Kutta method are used in interative calcu- lation.As an example of calculation,the flow in a special 2-dimensional axi-symmetrical prilling tower of diameter 20 m and height 50 m has been performed.Buoyancy effect is important for moving droplet with phase change. The model to be developed and analysis of results obtained in this paper are useful for engineering design in indus- try.

Effect of hydration on the surface basicity and catalytic activity of Mg-rare earth mixed oxides for aldol condensation

Magnesium and rare earth mixed oxides（Mg3 REOx（RE=La, Y. Ce）） were prepared and characterized by Xray diffraction（XRD）, N_2 adsorption-desorption, infrared spectra and microcalorimetry of CO_2. The results reveal that the Mg_3 CeO_x catalyst is present in the form of Mg-Ce-O solid solution,while the Mg3 LaOx and Mg_3 YO_x catalysts are probably rare earth oxides dispersed on MgO surface. As a result, among the calcined Mg_3 REO_x catalysts, the Mg_3 CeO_x catalyst presents the highest rate constant for acetone aldolization, which is well correlated to its more homogeneous distribution of basic sites. In contrary, the Mg_3 YO_x catalyst exhibit the lowest catalytic activity for acetone aldolization. Upon hydration pre-treatment, the basic properties on the surface of the Mg_3 REO_x catalysts were changed markedly. The Mg_3 YO_x catalyst after hydration treatment shows the highest amount of basic sites on catalyst surface, and then exhibits the highest activity among the hydrated Mg_3 REO_x catalysts. These results make it possible to fine-tune basic sites for acetone aldolization.