Modeling of aggregation kernels for fluidized beds using discrete particle model simulations

Aggregation is one of the many important processes in chemical and process engineering. Several researchers have attempted to understand this complex process in fluidized beds using the macro-model of population balance equations (PBEs). The aggregation kernel is an effective parameter in PBEs, and is defined as the product of the aggregation efficiency and collision frequency functions. Attempts to derive this kernel have taken different approaches, including theoretical, experimental, and empirical techniques. The present paper calculates the aggregation kernel using micro-model computer simulations, i.e., a discrete particle model. We simulate the micro-model without aggregation for various initial conditions, and observe that the collision frequency function is in good agreement with the shear kernel. We then simulate the micro-model with aggregation and calculate the aggregation efficiency rate. © 2013 Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences.