Powder Fluidization

Why Powder Fluidization Testing?

Fluidization can be a highly effective method for handling a fine bulk material in an aerated or liquid-like condition. Air or another gas can be used for powder fluidization either in a fully fluidized state or only in a localized manner with small amounts of gas flow.

• Elimination or reduction of (bridging) or problems
• Increased discharge rate from a silo or hopper
• Blending of solids and reduction in mixture segregation
• Increased gas-solids interaction for drying, agglomeration, or reactions

• Minimum fluidization velocity: run with 8 in. (200 mm) dia. test column
• Fluidization discharge assessment: run with 22 in. (560 mm) dia. column
• Air-assisted discharge: localized powder aeration vs. full fluidization

• description of fluidization procedure, test apparatus, fluidization media
• observations of test phenomena such as plug rise, bed spouting, or cracking
• video of fluidization behavior in test column
• test conclusions and recommendation for fluidization velocity for powder