Fundamentals of fluidization of sticky particles

Investigating the effects of temperature, air velocity, and particle residence time on high-density polyethylene particle bed material revealed an increase in agglomeration with increasing bed temperature and particle residence time. However, excessive temperature rises resulted in sintering and defluidization. Near the melting point of the bed material, the particle surface melted and liquid bridges formed between particles contacting eath other. Higher temperatures led to a lower viscosity liquid on the particle surfaces, and as a result, liquid bridges developed more quickly. These observations will provide a basis for a predictive agglomeration model to design and operate coal gasifiers.