Validation by PIV of the Numerical Study of Flow in the Plenum Chamber of a Swirling Fluidized Bed

The primary objective of this study is to validate the numerical methods applied in the analysis of the plenum chamber in a swirling fluidized bed. The plenum chamber plays a vital role in pre-distributing the fluid evenly before it enters the distributor air gap, as maldistribution affects the performance of the fluidized bed. Comparison of the CFD predicted flow patterns and velocities calculated with the experimental data (using particle image velocimetry) are presented, and it is confirmed that good agreement is obtained.