# Fluid Dynamics of a Spouted Bed with a Fountain Deflector

## TL;DR

This study evaluates a fountain deflector in a spouted bed to reduce particle loss and improve fluid dynamics during processing of dried papaya seeds.

## Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a rarely used fountain deflector in spouted beds for industrial applications.

## Key findings

- The deflector reduced particle elutriation without affecting fluid dynamic parameters.
- CFD simulations showed the deflector limits spoutable bed height and reduces drag.
- High air velocities with the deflector reduced particle size distribution.

## Abstract

Spouted beds can be applied in various operations; even
so, they
have limited industrial use. Therefore, internal accessories and variations
in their configuration have been studied. In this study, an uncommon
device known as a fountain deflector was inserted into a conventional
conical spouted bed to evaluate its influence on particle elutriation
and on the hydrodynamics of the bed operating with dried papaya seeds.
The physical characterization of the particles was carried out considering
both their individual properties and those of the porous medium formed
by them. The main characteristic of the seeds is their low apparent
density (610 kg/m3) and the formation of a bed with a high
porosity (0.73). The fluid dynamic curves were obtained for the equipment
without a deflector and with the deflector positioned at 15 cm in
relation to the conical base of the bed. It was noticed that the presence
of the deflector reduced particle elutriation, without significantly
affecting the values of the fluid dynamic parameters. The CFD simulation
results showed the particle retention effect of the deflector, where
it limits the maximum spoutable bed height and reduces the drag. A
reduction in particle size distribution was observed when operating
with the deflector at high air velocities. Therefore, this study contributed
to the evaluation of a rarely used device that demonstrates potential
for use in industrial applications. The findings suggest that the
deflector can act by maintaining a stable spouting and reducing particle
elutriation, also showing potential to promote particle breakage.