The Fluidization and Fluid Bed Heat Exchanger OperatiX - 03 gives students visual insight into air flow through packed and fluidized beds. This Fluidization and Fluid Bed Heat Exchanger features a glass reactor chamber with an electrical heater, air distributor, and dual rotameters for flow measurement. It includes four grades of Fused Alumina bed material for fluidization and heat transfer studies. Optional DAQ software enables measurement and calculation of results.

Fluidization and Fluid Bed Heat Exchanger OperatiX - 03, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chamber | Glass chamber containing the bed material and an electrical heater for heat transfer studies |
| Reactor Chamber | Glass, fitted with distribution chamber, air distributor, air filter, electrical heater, temperature sensors, and pressure drop measuring probe |
| Air Flow Adjustment | Manual, using a valve and flow meter |
| Measurement Tools | Steel rulers for determining fluidized bed height and heating element immersion depth |
| Study Focus | Investigation of fluidized bed formation and fluidized bed heat transfer |
| Fluidizing Medium | Fluidized bed of aluminum oxide and compressed air |
| Sensors | Digital indicators for heater temperature, air inlet in fluidized bed, pressure gauge upstream of reactor and in fluidized bed, rotameter for air flow rate and heater power |
| Safety | Safety valve, temperature cutoff at the heater, air filter at the outlet |
Technical Data
Reactor Chamber
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Capacity | 3L |
Electrical Heater
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 250 W |
| Surface Area | 22.8 cm² |
| Safety | High temp cut-off by means of a temperature controller |
Flow Meters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Two rotameters installed for high and low air flow measurement |
| Low Flow | 0.25~2.5 m³/h @ 1 atm |
| High Flow | 0.8~8 m³/h @ 1 atm |
Manometers
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To measure the pressure drop through bed |
| Range | 400 mm H2O |
| Quantity | 2 |
Digital Displays
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Function | To indicate temperature and heater power measurement |
Safety Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical Protection | Electrical components are properly fused and earthed |
General Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compressed Air | 200 LPM |
| Pressure | 0 to 10 bar |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Fluidization and Fluid Bed Heat Exchanger OperatiX - 03 incorporates a glass chamber containing the bed material and an electrical heater for heat transfer studies. The reactor chamber, made of glass with a 3L capacity, is fitted with a distribution chamber, air distributor, air filter, electrical heater, temperature sensors, and a pressure drop measuring probe. A distributor chamber with an air distributor supports the bed material at the bottom end of the glass chamber, minimizing pressure loss while maintaining consistent airflow. Air exits the bed through an air filter before leaving the chamber. The electrical heater is rated at 250W with a 22.8 cm² surface area and a high temperature cut-off set to 150°C. Two rotameters measure low flow (0.25 to 2.5 m³/h) and high flow (0.8 to 8 m³/h) air rates. Two manometers, ranged to 400 mm H2O, measure pressure drop through the bed. Steel rulers determine the fluidized bed's height and the heating element's immersion depth. A pressure relief device releases air into the atmosphere if chamber pressure rises above the permitted level. The unit comes with four grades of Fused Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) loose grains for fluidization and heat transfer investigations.
Software
Software OperatiX - 03 (optional). DAQ software specially designed in National Instrument™, LABVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional; a set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used. The software can be run in any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
Q: What is the Fluidization and Fluid Bed Heat Exchanger OperatiX - 03 used for?
A: It is used for student experiments on air flow characteristics through fixed and fluidized beds, and for studying fluidized bed heat transfer.
Q: What bed material is included with the unit?
A: The unit comes with four grades of Fused Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) loose grains for fluidization and heat transfer investigations.
Q: What is the power rating of the electrical heater?
A: The electrical heater is rated at 250W, with a surface area of 22.8 cm² and a high temperature cut-off set to 150°C.
Q: How is pressure drop measured in the bed?
A: Pressure drop is measured using 2 manometers with a range of 400 mm H2O.
Q: Is data acquisition software available with this system?
A: Yes, Software OperatiX - 03 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run in any Windows™ environment.