Characteristics of Minimum Fluidization Velocity for Magnetite Powder used in an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed for Coal Beneficiation

Abstract Accurate determination of minimum fluidization velocity of medium particle is essential for proper designing and operation of an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed Separator for coal beneficiation. Significantly different values of minimum fluidization velocity have been obtained from different available correlations. So, it is necessary to develop a suitable correlation for this specific purpose. In this study, the minimum fluidization velocities of different size magnetite powders are investigated in a 15 cm diameter fluidized bed. Three correlations are derived from the fundamental principles for the theoretical prediction of these minimum fluidization velocities. The adequacy and reliability of each of these correlations is tested by adopting a statistical analysis approach and the most suitable correlation is selected. The predictive capability of this selected correlation is verified by using the data available in the literature. The results show that this new correlation is in very well agreement with these experimental data and shown to be applicable for practical purpose. Moreover, this study reveals that the correlation developed from the basic particle properties and bed characteristics can predict more accurate results.