Fluidization characteristics of iron ore fines of wide size distribution in a cold tapered gas-solid fluidized bed

The effects of taper angle on the particle size distribution in a tapered gas-solid fluidized bed was experimentally investigated using two different iron ore fines (-5 mm and -8 mm) of wide size distribution. From the analysis of axial and radial particle size distribution of iron ore fines taken from the bed, it was found that the taper angle is the most critical parameter to minimize the size segregation along the fluidized bed level and there is a downward flow of finer particles along the walls. The effect of superficial gas velocity on the particle size distribution in fluidized bed and the effect of ore size on the taper angle required for minimizing the size segregation are also discussed. The present study has endeavored to obtain fundamental data for an effective plant operation and design of a fluidized-bed reduction furnace using sinterfeed through fully understanding the effects of taper angle and the gas velocity on the particle size distribution in a cold tapered gas-solid fluidized bed.