Department of Chemical Engineering

University of San Carlos Technological Center

Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City

ChE 422L
Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

Fluidization
(Fluidization of a Packed Bed of Particles)

A laboratory report submitted to

Engr. May Tampus
Instructor, ChE 422L

By

Date performed: January 15, 2015

Date submitted: January 29, 2015

1. Introduction
In a packed bed of small particles, when a fluid enters enters at sufficient velocity
from the bottom and passes up through the particles, the particles are pushed upward
and the bed expands and becomes fluidized (Geankoplis, 2003). Fluidization is the
operation by which the fine solids are transformed into a fluid-like state through
contact with a gas or liquid (Kunii et al, 1991). Fluidized beds find use in a variety of
industrial process such as drying, mixing, granulation, coating, heating, and cooling.
Two general types of fluidization can occur: particulate fluidization and bubbling
fluidization (Geankoplis, 2003). Particulate fluidization is characterized by the beds
continuous expansion and homogeneity for a time as the fluid velocity continues to
increase. This type of fluidization is very desirable in promoting intimate contact
between gas and solids. Bubbling fluidization is characterized by the passage of gas,
the fluidizing medium, through the bed as voids or bubbles which contain few
particles and only a small percentage of the gas passes in the spaces between
individual particles. The expansion of the bed is small as gas velocity is increased.
Little contact occurs between the individual particles and the bubbles. Classification
of particles according to their density and diameter ranges has been provided by
Geldart (Geldart, 1973).

Figure 1. Geldart classification of particles

Fluidization proceeds as follows: a fluid, air or water, is passed upward through a bed of
granular materials. If fluid is admitted at a very low rate, it merely percolates through the
void space between the stationary materials, not causing the materials to move (static
condition) or an increase in flow rate will cause the materials to move apart and vibrate and
move about in restricted regions (expanded bed). Through the process of increasing the
velocity, the pressure drop over the bed increases and will eventually equal the force of
gravity on the particles and the grains begin to move. The bed expands slightly with the
grains still in contact. The porosity increases, and the pressure rises more slowly than before.
As the velocity is increased, the grains separate and true fluidization occurs. The bed is
fluidized and is characterized by the particles moving about, traveling in random directions
resembling a boiling liquid. The linear velocity of the fluid between the particles is much
higher than the velocity in the space above the bed. Only the smallest grains are entrained in
the fluid, even with rigorous fluidization. If the fluid velocity is reduced to and below the
minimum velocity required for fluidization, the bed collapses once more; the pressure drop
again follows the relationship for the fixed bed. The porosity may be higher than in the
original bed. The pressure drop for a given velocity may be lower than what was before.
As mentioned previously, when a fluid flows upward through a packed bed of particles at
low velocities, the particles remain stationary. As the fluid velocity is increased, the pressure
drop increases according to the Ergun equation (Geankoplis, 2003)

v
( ')2 L 1
1.75
Dp
3
2
150 v ' L ( 1 )
p=
+
D2p
3

(1.1)

where p is the pressure drop across the bed, and is the viscosity and the density
of the fluidizing medium, respectively, is the porosity of the bed at the given bed
height L, Dp is the particle diameter and v is the superficial fluid velocity. This is
characterized by line AB of Fig.2. Upon further increase in velocity, conditions
finally occur where the force of the pressure drop times the cross-sectional area
equals the gravitational force on the mass of particles, characterized by point B.
Minimum fluidization occurs as the particles begin to move, characterized by point C.
The fluid velocity at which fluidization occurs is called the minimum fluidization
3

velocity and is based on the empty cross section of the tower. With any further
increase in the velocity of the flow, the particles move in more rapid and more
independent motion. Points D to E describes that
large increments in velocity will only yield slight
changes in pressure drop.
The porosity of the bed during fixed
bed operation remains constant with
increasing velocities until point B in Fig.
2 is reached. The porosity then increases
Figure 2. The effect of v on the p for
a fluid flowing upward through a bed
of closely-packed particles

continuously as a function of the

Reynolds number up to the Reynolds
number corresponding to the freesettling

velocity of

the

individual

particles as can be seen in Fig. 3 (Brown

et al, 1973). The porosity of the bed
Figure 3. The effect of NRe on the
of a bed of particles through which
a fluid is flowing upward with a
superficial velocity v.

when fluidization occurs is the

minimum porosity for fluidization.
The bed expands to this voidage or
porosity

before

particle

motion

appears (Geankoplis, 2003).

2. Objectives of the Experiment
2.1 Investigate the effect of column diameter on the power required to fluidize a bed
of solid particles.
2.2 Calculate the theoretical power required to fluidize a bed of solid particles and
compare with experimentally determined values.
2.3 Determine graphically and through visual observation the minimum fluidization
velocity of solid particles packed in a cylindrical column
2.4 Relate the power required for fluidization to the flow rate of the fluidizing
medium and the porosity of the bed.
3. Methodology
3.1 Materials
Water
Ceramic spherical packing
3.2 Equipment and Apparatus
Vernier Caliper
Stopwatch

Thermometer
4

Analytical Balance
Weigh boat

100-mL Graduated Cylinder

1-L Graduated Cylinder

Fluidized Bed Equipment

Figure 1. The fluidized bed equipment

Figure 2. The sump tank

Figure 3. The small column (D =0.035m)

Figure 4. The big column (D =0.059m)

Figure 5. Ceramic packing

3.2 Procedure
3.2.1 Preliminary Steps
The average size, the average density and the percent void of the
particles were determined. The average size was determined by taking 5
representative samples of the packing with the use of a Vernier caliper. The
average density was determined by weighing a representative quantity of the
material and dividing the amount by the corresponding volume. The percent
void was determined by slowly introducing a measured amount of water
into a graduated cylinder containing pellets up to a desired level.
3.2.2

Fluidization Experiment
The sump tank was filled with water to 2/3 its capacity. Valves were
labeled according to the specifications in the manual. Valves V1, V2, V4 and
V7 were fully opened while valves V3, V5 and V6 were closed. The water
pump was switched on. Water was allowed to fill the small column and this
was done by slowly opening valve V3 while simultaneously closing valve
V2. Valve V3 was further turned counterclockwise until the U-tube
manometer gave a pressure drop reading. The flow rate was determined
manually using a stopwatch and a graduated cylinder. The corresponding
bed height was recorded and this was labeled as point A. V3 and V2 was
regulated to adjust the flow rate. The flow rates at which the following
7

conditions were observed, were noted: B-the point when the topmost
particles of the bed begins to move in their places, C-the point when all of
the bed particles are moving but not necessarily expanded to full column
height, and D-when the bed has expanded to full column height. V1 was
regulated to further increase the flow rate. At most 5 different flow rates and
their corresponding pressure drops and bed heights in between the given
conditions were measured and recorded. The water pump was then shut off.
The steps were repeated using the bigger column.
4. Results and Discussion
4.1 Operating Conditions
Table 1. Values of constants

Diameter of particles [mm]

Density of particles [g/cm3]
Porosity
Column height (both columns) [mm]
Bed height (both columns) [cm]
Inside diameter (small column) [mm]
Inside diameter (big column) [mm]
Cross-sectional area (small column) [m2]
Cross-sectional area (big column) [m2]
T [C]
Density (mercury) [kg/m3]
Density (water) [kg/m3]
Viscosity (water) [Pas]
Surface Roughness (acrylic pipe) [mm]
Relative Roughness (acrylic pipe)
Inner Diameter (water pipe) [mm]
Cross-sectional area (water pipe) [m2]

5.65
2.2048
0.539
935
9
35
59
0.0009621
0.002734
32.5
13515.245
994.820
0.000793
0.00152
4.3429E-05
15.8
0.000196

4.2 Power requirement for fluidization (theoretical and experimental) versus

column diameter
Table 2. Power requirement versus column diameter
Column
Diameter

Experimental
P (kPa)
P (W)

Theoretical
P (kPa)
P (W)

Percent
Difference
8

(m)
0.035
0.059

9542.8280
16832.4882

0.4880
2.4263

9158.1931
9157.8681

0.4683
1.3201

4%
84%

Table 2 shows how power requirement for fluidization varies with the diameter
of the fluidization column. It can be observed that the power for the large column
(D = 0.059m) is higher compared to that of the small column (D = 0.035m). This
is because the volume of the bed in the large column is larger, thus offering more
resistance to flow due to drag. The larger the bed volume, the higher the contact
area and the more packing the fluidizing medium has to flow past through. This
means that more driving force is required to make the fluidizing medium flow.
With regard to comparison between experimental and theoretical power
requirement values, it is notable that the percent difference for the small column is
very small compared to the large column. It is expected that the difference
between calculated and observed power requirement values is large mainly due to:
a.) the equipment and b.) the method of measuring of volumetric flow rate. The
equipment has aged considerably thereby increasing the possibility of inaccurate
parameter readings. Some scraped-off paint particles was observed in the bed,
contributing to the resistance. The volumetric flow rate has to be obtained
manually, yielding values that are not as accurate as those obtained if the
equipment is appropriate and in good condition.

4.3 Determination of minimum fluidization velocity through graphical method

and visual observation
When a fluid flows upward through a packed bed of particles at low velocities,
the particles remain stationary. As the fluid velocity is increased further,
conditions finally occur where the force of the pressure drop times the crosssectional area equals the gravitational force on the mass of particles, the particles
begin to move, and this is the onset of fluidization (Geankoplis, 2003). The fluid
9

velocity at which fluidization begins is the minimum fluidization velocity based

on the empty cross section of the tower (Geankoplis, 2003). At minimum
fluidization velocity, all of the packing in the fluidized bed are in the loosest
configuration and will expand when volumetric flow rate is increased. Two
methods are employed to determine this: graphical method and visual
observation.
One can determine the minimum fluidization velocity by manipulating the
flow rate in the fluidization column and observing the packed bed. Below the
minimum fluidization velocity none or only a few of the packing will be moving.
Steadily increasing the flow rate causes more of the packing to move about. At a
particular point where the height of the bed remains the same but all of the
particles are already moving in their places, minimum fluidization velocity is
reached. This corresponds to point C in the experiment procedure.

Figure 6. Logarithm of the pressure drop versus the logarithm of the velocity and
determination of minimum fluidization velocity

Minimum fluidization velocity can also be determined graphically by either

plotting pressure drop versus velocity or void fraction versus Reynolds number.

10

Figure 7. Logarithm of the void fraction versus the logarithm of the Reynolds
number and determination of minimum fluidization velocity
Table 3. Visual observations at different points
Point
A-B
B-C
C-D
D

Observations
No significant change in bed height, manometer shows reading
Topmost part of the bed shows movement, bed height is constant
All of the particles start moving, bed height increases
Particles are all moving, bed height is at maximum

Both the visual observation and graphical method yielded approximately the
same values of minimum fluidization velocity regardless of column diameter. This
is because at minimum fluidization velocity, the terminal velocity of the particles
equals the velocity of the fluidizing medium. The column diameter has no effect
on the terminal velocity this is dictated by drag caused by the particles shape
and surface.
Before fluidization is reached, the pressure drop increases with an increase in
the fluid velocity according to the Ergun equation (Geankoplis, 2003). When
fluidization starts, pressure drop only changes slightly while porosity increases
with increasing velocity (and accordingly, Reynolds number). This trend is
reflected on Figure 7 but not in Figure 6. The opposite is shown instead: with

11

increasing velocity, pressure drop increases slightly before fluidization but

increases greatly at higher velocities.

4.4 Power requirement versus flow rate or porosity

8
7
6
5

P (W)

4
3
2
1
0
0.000E+00

1.000E-04

2.000E-04

3.000E-04

v (m/s)
D=0.035m

D=0.059m

Figure 8. Power requirement versus flow rate

Figure 8 shows the relationship between power input and flow rate of the
fluidizing medium. The general trend observed is that an increase in the flow rate
corresponds to an increased power input.
Figure 9 however displays a relationship that changes at a certain point in the
graph.

12

8
7
6
5

P (W)

4
3
2
1
0
0.5000

0.6000

0.7000

0.8000

0.9000

1.0000

D=0.035m

D=0.059m

Figure 9. Power requirement versus porosity

For both the small and large columns, the power requirement is independent of
porosity at some point the power requirement increases with the same value of
porosity. However, at higher power inputs the relationship changes to that of an
exponential increase of power input with respect to porosity. This change in
relationship marks the start of fluidization where the bed height increases, resulting in
increasing porosity.

5. Conclusion
The power requirement for fluidization for the bigger tower diameter is greater as
compared to the power requirement for fluidization for the smaller tower diameter. A
bigger tower diameter will allow for a greater drag. A bigger tower diameter will also
allow for a greater volume of packing to resist flow. To overcome this resistance, a
greater driving force should be applied.

13

There is a difference between the theoretical power requirement and the

experimental power requirement for fluidization. This has been thought to have come
from the inaccuracies caused by two factors: the degradation of equipment
performance and the method of measuring the flow rate.
The minimum fluidization velocity determined graphically and through visual
observation is approximately equal regardless of the column diameter. At minimum
fluidization velocity, the terminal velocity of the particles equals the velocity of the
fluidizing medium. The terminal velocity is dictated by drag caused by the particles
shape and surface.
Before fluidization is achieved, the pressure drop increases with velocity by the
Ergun equation. Once the minimum fluidization velocity is reached, the pressure drop
and ultimately the power requirement, increases only slightly until such time that it
becomes constant. As the fluid velocity is approaching the minimum fluidization
velocity, the bed porosity is independent of fluid velocity. Once fluidization is
achieved, an exponential increase in the porosity of the bed can be observed with an
increase in the power requirement.
6. References
Brown, G. G. et al. (1973). Unit Operations. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Geankoplis. (2006). Transport Processes and Unit Operations, 4th edition. New Jersey:
Prentice Hall.
Geldart. (1973). Diagram of the Geldart Classification of particles.
Kunii, & Levenspiel. (1991). Fluidization Engineering. Elsevier.
Perry, R. H., & Green, D. W. (2008). Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook 8th Edition.
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

14

7.

Appendix
7.1 Tables
Table A-1. Diameter of Paticles
Sample
1
2
3
4
5
Average

Diameter [mm]
5.65
5.65
5.6
5.65
5.7
5.65

Table A-2. Density of Particles

Trial

Mass [g]

1
2
3
4
5

1.0399
1.0381
1.0636
1.0434
1.0204

Volume of a
particle [cm3]

0.0944

Number of
particles

Density of
particles [g/cm3]

Average

2.2023
2.1985
2.2525
2.2097
2.1610
2.2048

Bed Height
[cm]
9
9

Cross-sectional
area [m2]
0.0009621
0.0027340

Table A-3. Percent Void

Fixed water volume [mL]
Water + Pellets volume [mL]
Pellets added
Bed + Void volume [mL]
Bed volume
Porosity

50.5
60.5
100
21.5
10
0.5349

Table A-4. Column Parameters

Column

Height [mm]

Small
Large

935
935

Inside
Diameter [mm]
35
59

15

Table A-5. Fluidization Data, Small Column Diameter

A
1
2
B
1
2
3
4
C
1
2
3
4
5
D

Volume
[ml]
17.0
100.0
675.0
725.0
505.0
825.0
840.0
868.0
987.5
1000.0
862.5
875.0
864.0
911.0
900.0

time
[s]
60.54
5.98
17.98
20.00
13.04
19.76
18.31
18.54
19.31
15.09
8.28
6.51
3.92
4.01
3.90

Small Column (D=35mm)

Flowrate
Bed Height, L
[m3/s]
[cm]
2.808E-07
9.0
1.672E-05
9.0
3.754E-05
9.0
3.625E-05
9.0
3.873E-05
9.0
4.175E-05
9.0
4.588E-05
9.0
4.682E-05
9.0
5.114E-05
9.0
6.627E-05
11.4
1.042E-04
18.1
1.344E-04
25.3
2.204E-04
70.5
2.272E-04
82.4
2.308E-04
93.5

h2
[cm]
22.30
22.30
22.50
22.70
22.75
22.85
22.95
23.00
23.00
23.20
23.65
24.20
26.10
31.45
32.90

h1
[cm]
16.40
16.45
16.30
16.25
16.10
15.95
15.90
15.85
15.80
15.56
15.25
14.65
12.55
7.40
6.05

h
[cm]
5.90
5.85
6.20
6.45
6.65
6.90
7.05
7.15
7.20
7.64
8.40
9.55
13.55
24.05
26.85

h2
[cm]
23.20
23.90
23.75
24.90
25.00
25.10
25.15
25.20
25.40
25.70
27.65
28.15
28.40
28.70
29.35
29.50

h1
[cm]
15.90
15.55
15.30
14.30
13.90
13.70
13.50
13.45
13.30
13.00
11.60
11.25
10.55
10.13
9.80
9.60

h
[cm]
7.30
8.35
8.45
10.60
11.10
11.40
11.65
11.75
12.10
12.70
16.05
16.90
17.85
18.57
19.55
19.90

Table A-6. Fluidization Data, Large Column Diameter

A
1
2
3
B
1
2
3
4
C
1
2
3
4
5
D

Volume
[ml]
79.0
911.0
575.0
875.0
862.5
843.0
893.0
862.5
907.0
800.0
998.0
879.0
929.0
725.0
875.0
812.5

time
[s]
16.73
12.28
8.24
7.44
6.94
6.47
6.78
6.44
6.29
5.55
4.68
3.78
3.88
2.90
3.25
3.13

Large Column (D=59mm)

Flowrate
Bed Height, L
3
[m /s]
[cm]
4.722E-06
9.0
7.419E-05
9.0
6.978E-05
9.0
1.176E-04
9.0
1.243E-04
9.0
1.303E-04
9.0
1.317E-04
9.0
1.339E-04
9.0
1.442E-04
9.0
1.441E-04
9.0
2.132E-04
11.4
2.325E-04
12.2
2.394E-04
12.8
2.500E-04
13.1
2.692E-04
13.4
2.596E-04
13.6

16

Table A-7. Fluid & Pipe Properties

Mercury
Water
Acrylic Pipe
Water Pipe

T [C]
Density [kg/m3]
Density [kg/m3]
Viscosity [Pas]
Surface Roughness [mm]
Relative Roughness
Inner Diameter [mm]
Cross-sectional area [m2]

32.5
13515.245
994.820
0.000793
0.00152
4.3429E-05
15.8
0.000196

Table A-8. Experimental Power Determination, Small Column

A
1
2
B
1
2
3
4
C
1
2
3
4
5
D

v (m/s)
0.0002919
0.0173809
0.0390201
0.0376775
0.0402520
0.0433951
0.0476832
0.0486613
0.0531531
0.0688787
0.1082687
0.1397015
0.2290877
0.2361283
0.2398567

Small Column (D=35mm)

h [cm]
P (Pa)
PT (W)
5.90
7819.8
0.0022
5.85
7753.5
0.1297
6.20
8217.4
0.3085
6.45
8548.8
0.3099
6.65
8813.9
0.3413
6.90
9145.2
0.3818
7.05
9344.0
0.4287
7.15
9476.6
0.4437
7.20
9542.8
0.4880
7.64
10126.0
0.6710
8.40
11133.3
1.1597
9.55
12657.5
1.7013
13.55
17959.1
3.9583
24.05
31875.7
7.2416
26.85
35586.8
8.2123

log vo
-3.5348
-1.7599
-1.4087
-1.4239
-1.3952
-1.3626
-1.3216
-1.3128
-1.2745
-1.1619
-0.9655
-0.8548
-0.6400
-0.6269
-0.6200

log P
3.8932
3.8895
3.9147
3.9319
3.9452
3.9612
3.9705
3.9767
3.9797
4.0054
4.0466
4.1023
4.2543
4.5035
4.5513

17

Table A-9. Experimental Power Determination, Large Column

A
1
2
3
B
1
2
3
4
C
1
2
3
4
5
D

v (m/s)
0.0017272
0.0271348
0.0255239
0.0430171
0.0454575
0.0476573
0.0481757
0.0489868
0.0527427
0.0527234
0.0779993
0.0850557
0.0875770
0.0914421
0.0984761
0.0949478

Large Column (D=59mm)

h [cm]
P (Pa)
PT (W)
7.3
9675.3672
0.0457
8.35
11067.0297
0.8210
8.45
11199.5689
0.7815
10.6
14049.1634
1.6523
11.1
14711.8598
1.8284
11.4
15109.4776
1.9687
11.65
15440.8258
2.0337
11.75
15573.3651
2.0857
12.1
16037.2526
2.3125
12.7
16832.4882
2.4263
16.05
21272.5540
4.5363
16.9
22399.1379
5.2087
17.85
23658.2610
5.6646
18.57
24612.5438
6.1531
19.55
25911.4287
6.4779
19.9
26375.3162
7.3733

log vo
-2.7627
-1.5665
-1.5931
-1.3664
-1.3424
-1.3219
-1.3172
-1.3099
-1.2778
-1.2780
-1.1079
-1.0703
-1.0576
-1.0389
-1.0389
-0.9903

log P
3.9857
4.0440
4.0492
4.1477
4.1677
4.1792
4.1887
4.1924
4.2051
4.2261
4.3278
4.3502
4.3740
4.3912
4.4135
4.4212

18

Table A-10. Theoretical Power Determination, Small Column

Small Column (D=35mm)
v (m/s)
0.000291
9
0.017380
1
9
0.039020
2
1
0.037677
3
5
0.040252
B
0
0.043395
1
1
0.047683
2
2
0.048661
3
3
0.053153
4
1
0.068878
C
7
0.108268
1
7
0.139701
2
5
0.229087
3
7
0.236128
4
3
A

0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.534
9
0.632
8
0.768
7
0.834
5
0.940
6
0.949
2

Efr,bed
(J/kg)

NRe

0.1988

13.3680

11.8633

796.0815

26.7046

1787.1985

25.7815

1725.7057

27.5519

1843.6246

29.7149

1987.5851

32.6684

2183.9850

33.3426

2228.7878

36.4406

2434.5211

22.6088

3154.7829

12.6862

4958.9244

9.3468

6398.6121
10492.679
1
10815.154
3

4.4801
3.9885

Ff (J/kg)

hex

hc

1.196
9
0.020
1
0.009
0
0.009
3
0.008
7
0.008
0
0.007
3
0.007
2
0.006
6

5.447E06
3.244E04
7.283E04
7.032E04
7.513E04
8.099E04
8.900E04
9.082E04
9.921E04
2.837E03
5.845E03
9.037E03
2.138E02
2.271E02

5.400E07
1.915E03
9.652E03
9.000E03
1.027E02
1.194E02
1.441E02
1.501E02
1.791E02
1.504E03
3.716E03
6.186E03
1.664E02
1.767E02

3.730E07
1.323E03
6.668E03
6.217E03
7.095E03
8.247E03
9.957E03
1.037E02
1.237E02
1.039E03
2.567E03
4.273E03
1.149E02
1.221E02

0.0112
0.009
3
0.008
7
0.007
6
0.007
6

F
0.1988
11.8669
26.7216
25.7974
27.5700
29.7359
32.6937
33.3689
36.4719
22.6142
12.6983
9.3663
4.5297
4.0411

P
(Pa)

PT
(W)

log
P

log

9121.
9
9133.
6
9148.
4
9147.
5
9149.
3
9151.
5
9154.
4
9155.
1
9158.
2
9144.
3
9134.
4
9131.
1
9126.
3
9125.
8

0.002
6
0.152
7
0.343
4
0.331
6
0.354
3
0.382
1
0.420
0
0.428
6
0.468
3
0.606
0
0.951
5
1.227
3
2.011
5
2.073
2

3.960
1
3.960
6
3.961
3
3.961
3
3.961
4
3.961
5
3.961
6
3.961
7
3.961
8
3.961
2
3.960
7
3.960
5
3.960
3
3.960
3

0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.1987
0.1142
0.0786
0.0266
0.0226

log
Nre,p
1.1261
2.9010
3.2522
3.2370
3.2657
3.2983
3.3392
3.3481
3.3864
3.4990
3.6954
3.8061
4.0209
4.0340

19

0.239856
7
0.000291
D
9
5

0.955
2
0.534
9

3.6166

10985.924
7

0.1988

13.3680

0.007
6
1.196
9

2.344E02
5.447E06

1.824E02
5.400E07

1.260E02
3.730E07

3.6709
0.1988

9125.
4
9121.
9

2.105
9
0.002
6

3.960
3
3.960
1

0.0199
0.2717

4.0408
1.1261

20

Table A-11. Theoretical Power Determination, Large Column

Large Column (D=59mm)
v (m/s)

Efr,bed
(J/kg)

NRe

0.0017272

0.5349

1.1766

133.3540

0.1200

0.0271348

0.5349

18.5432

0.0255239

0.5349

17.4389

0.0430171

0.5349

29.4547

0.0430171

0.5349

31.1351

0.0454575

0.5349

32.6506

0.0476573

0.5349

33.0079

0.0481757

0.5349

33.5670

0.0489868

0.5349

36.1575

0.0527427

0.5349

36.1441

0.0527234

0.6328

25.6390

0.0779993

0.6569

23.4036

0.0850557

0.6730

21.3843

0.0875770

0.6805

21.1264

2095.051
8
1970.676
7
3321.313
5
3509.735
5
3679.578
3
3719.602
4
3782.230
4
4072.221
5
4070.724
9
6022.259
1
6567.072
7
6761.744
2
7060.163
5

0.0076
0.0081
0.0112
0.0107
0.0107
0.0107
0.0102
0.0098
0.0098
0.0090
0.0088
0.0088
0.0088

Ff (J/kg)
1.134E05
1.782E04
1.676E04
6.563E04
7.017E04
7.713E04
7.881E04
7.787E04
8.670E04
8.664E04
1.735E03
2.025E03
2.147E03
2.341E03

P
(Pa)

hex

hc

2.571E-05

1.523E-05

1.17664

9122.9

6.345E-03

3.759E-03

18.5535

9140.3

5.614E-03

3.326E-03

17.448

9139.2

7.973E-04

4.724E-04

29.4566

9151.2

8.903E-04

5.275E-04

31.1372

9152.9

9.786E-04

5.798E-04

32.653

9154.4

1.000E-03

5.925E-04

33.0103

9154.7

1.034E-03

6.126E-04

33.5694

9155.3

1.199E-03

7.101E-04

36.1602

9157.9

1.198E-03

7.096E-04

36.1469

9157.9

2.621E-03

1.553E-03

25.6449

9147.4

3.117E-03

1.847E-03

23.4106

9145.1

3.305E-03

1.958E-03

21.3917

9143.1

3.603E-03

2.135E-03

21.1345

9142.9

PT
(W)

log
P

log

0.043
1
0.678
1
0.637
7
1.076
2
1.137
5
1.192
8
1.205
8
1.226
2
1.320
5
1.320
1
1.950
7
2.126
6
2.189
2
2.285
7

3.960
1
3.961
0
3.960
9
3.961
5
3.961
6
3.961
6
3.961
6
3.961
7
3.961
8
3.961
8
3.961
3
3.961
2
3.961
1
3.961
1

0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.2717
0.1987
0.1825
0.1720
0.1672

log
Nre,p
2.1250
3.3212
3.2946
3.5213
3.5453
3.5658
3.5705
3.5777
3.6098
3.6097
3.7798
3.8174
3.8301
3.8488

21

0.0914421

0.6876

20.0229

0.0984761

0.6922

21.6728

7060.163
5
7894.751
5

0.0085
0.0085

2.253E03
2.817E03

3.603E-03

2.135E-03

20.0309

9141.8

4.178E-03

2.669E-03

21.6828

9143.4

2.285
4
2.556
1

3.961
0
3.961
1

0.1627
0.1598

3.8488
3.8973

22

7.2 Sample Calculations

Volume of a Particle

1
volume of a particle= D3p
6
1
3
3
volume of a particle= (0.00565 cm) =0.094437 c m
6

Density of Particles
density of particles=

mass of particles
( no . of particles ) ( volume of particles)

density of particles=

1.0399 g
g
=2.2023 3
3
(5)(0.094437 cm )
cm

Percent Void or Porosity,

volume of bed
percent void =1
volume of bed+ volume of void
percent void =1

10 mL
=0.5349
21.5 mL

Volumetric Flowrate
volume of water
V =
time
V =

0.000017 m3
m3
=2.808 107
60.54 s
s

Pressure Drop, experimental

P= Hg g h
Pexp=13515.245

kg
m
9.81 2 ( 0.059 m) =7819.8 Pa
3
m
s

Efr,bed
L
( 1 ) 170 ( 1 )
Efr , bed = 3
+1.75 bed v 2
v D p
Dp

Efr , bed =

( 10.5349 )
( 0.5349 )3

[(

170 ( 10.5349 )
95 mm
m 2
J
+1.75
0.0002919
=0.1988
5.65 mm
s
kg
kg
m (
994.82 3 0.0002919
0.00565 m )
s
m

)(

23

Reynolds Number
Dv
N =

( 0.059 m ) 0.0002919
N =

m
kg
994.82 3
s
m

)(

793.2705 10 Pa s

) =12.8

Friction Losses along the Pipe

L v2
F f =4 f
D 2

F f =4 ( 1.2490 )

925 mm
35 mm

0.0002919
2

m
s

) =5.684 10

J
kg

Expansion Head
A pipe 2 v 2
hex = 1
A acrylic 2

(
(

2 2

hex = 1

0.000196 m
0.000962m 2

0.0002919

m
s

2 ( 1.5 )

) =5.4 10

J
kg

Contraction Head
A pipe v 2
hc =0.55 1
A acrylic 2

(
(

hc =0.55 1

0.000196 m
2
0.000962 m

0.0002919

m
s

2 ( 1.5 )

) =3.73 10

J
kg

Total Friction Losses

F=E fr ,bed + F f + hex +h c
J

F=0.1988 kg +5.447 106 kg +5.4 107 kg +3.73 107 kg =0.1988 kg

Pressure Drop, theoretical
P= gL+ F

24

Ptheo=994.82

kg
m
J
J
9.81 2 ( 0.935 m ) +0.1988 =9121.9
3
kg
kg
m
s

Power
PT =V P
PT =2.808 107

m3 (
9121.9 Pa )=0.0026 W
s

Percent Difference
Ptheo Pexp
diff =
100
Ptheo

0.4880 W
|0.4683W
|100 =4
0.4683 W

diff =

25