Nanofluidization as affected by vibration and electrostatic fields

Abstract In this paper we investigate the behavior of a fluidized bed of silica nanoparticles under the influence of externally applied vibrations and an electrostatic field. We have observed that the application of these fields separately has opposite effects on bed expansion. On one hand, vertical vibrations enhance bed expansion as the vibration intensity is increased up to a critical value. On the other hand, an electrostatic field applied in the horizontal direction, hinders bed expansion. In previous research papers, it has been suggested that the size of nanoparticle agglomerates could be affected either by vibration or by the action of the electric field. Using the modified Richardson–Zaki method to analyze our experimental data we find that vertical vibration tends to decrease the average agglomerate size in agreement with previous research. However, in this work we look further into the physical mechanisms which affect the response of the fluidized bed. Our results suggest that both vibration and the electric field produce a significant perturbation to the flow of agglomerates within the fluidized bed. Vibration transmits a vertical motion to the agglomerates that enhances bed expansion until the vibration velocity becomes of the order of the expected rising velocity of macroscopic bubbles. At this critical point, bubble growth is stimulated by vibration. A horizontal electrostatic field produces a drift of the charged agglomerates toward the walls that gives rise to fluidization heterogeneity and bed collapse. When both fields are simultaneous applied, these opposed effects can be practically compensated.