(54bh) A Graduate Course in Fluidization and Gas-Solid Flow Systems

The objective of this course is: a) to provide students with a fundamental understanding and design of Fluidization and Fluid- Particle flow systems, b) to provide students with an understanding of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the kinetic theory approach to fluid-particle flows c) to provide students with the knowledge required to solve flow, heat and mass transfer problems in processes which involve particles and d) to provide students with sufficient knowledge to read and understand technical articles in areas related to fluid-particle processes. The course is designed for Master and PhD students in Chemical, Mechanical and aerospace engineering. The course includes: Fluidization concepts and regimes including bubbling, turbulent and circulating beds; Particle characterization, diagnostics and size reduction and agglomeration/granulation; Concept and design of Standpipes, non- mechanical valves, gas distributors, cyclones and hoppers; CFD approach to fluid-particle flow systems and fluidization including kinetic theory and dispersed phase modeling; Computational transport phenomena of fluid-particle systems including method of moments; and examples from energy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In addition the students will visit PSRI to see large-scale fluidized beds in operation.

The students are required to finish a team project. The teams consist of 3-4 students working on a project which will count as their final exam. The projects will primarily involve background research (about 80%) but some of the investigation (about 20%) should involve taking an additional step from what is currently known. This additional step can take the form of a research proposal, new theory, new insight based on current information, new calculations, new simulation and/or new data. The results of the projects will be communicated to the class and to the Course Instructors via a written report of 10-20 pages, and an oral presentation involving the professors and all of the group members.