Image velocimetry and statistical analysis of a mesh-coupled axial blade distributor for mass transfer in a swirling bed

A mesh-coupled axial blade distributor was tested for fluidization of particles in a swirling fluidized bed. The bed velocity was estimated experimentally using a high-speed imaging device and MATLAB supported particle image velocimetry (PIV). The bed velocity was also predicted statistically with a response surface analysis method. During statistical analysis, the confidence interval of bed velocity remained between 0.49485 and 0.49998. The bed velocity was measured about 0.49741 m/s and 0.538 m/s through experimental and statistical methods, respectively. The experimental and statistical analysis revealed similar bed weights and superficial velocities with a slight difference of 6.4 degrees in blade angles.