Simulation of fluidized beds with lattice gas cellular automata

This paper introduces an approach for the simulation of the hydrodynamic behaviour of gas–solid fluidized beds via the use of lattice gas cellular automata. This approach is based on a two-speed model, developed by U. Frisch, B. Hasslacher, and Y. Pomeau. Simulation runs for different configurations of the automaton produce results that can be compared to actual data. The simulations show when and how bubbling will occur. Values for the bubble diameters as a function of bed height, as well as bed porosities in two horizontal planes have been obtained from the simulations. From these results correlation diagrams and the Kolmogorov entropy are calculated. Generally, the results of the simulations are qualitatively in good agreement with experimental observations, showing that this new approach could provide a useful tool in predicting the fluid dynamic behaviour of fluidized beds.