Abstract
In this study, the heat transfer behavior of a conical spouted bed column was imaged for the first time across its entire cross-sectional area and at multiple axial heights. To achieve this, a custom-built quantitative imaging approach was developed. This method combined FluxTeq heat flux sensors with an Arduino-based data acquisition system. The experimental setup enabled instantaneous, spatially resolved measurements of surface temperature, heat flux, and local heat transfer coefficients (LHTC) under various operating conditions. Measurements at different radial locations, angles, and heights provided a comprehensive view of heat transfer behavior throughout the column. The obtained cross-sectional images show that the magnitude of LHTC increases with both axial height and superficial gas velocity. Gains reached up to 25 % between the lowest and highest velocities tested. Time-resolved data reveal greater fluctuations in the central spout region, especially at higher axial positions (H/D = 2.1). These fluctuations promote vigorous convective exchange and reduce temperature non-uniformity. Persistent radial asymmetry was observed, linked to distinct hydrodynamic behaviors in the spout, annulus, and fountain zones. Increasing gas velocities further reduced the solids fraction in the reactor core, affecting heat flux and temperature distribution. This experiment effectively captures transient and spatial characteristics often missed by conventional methods. The resulting benchmark data support CFD model validation, guide reactor scale-up, and improve thermal management in industrial gas–solid systems.
Recommended Citation
H. A. Abdulwahab and A. J. Sultan and A. A. Abdulrahman and H. A. Aljaafari and A. A. Yahya and Z. W. Hasan and M. M. Mohammed and L. S. Sabri and B. J. Kadhim and J. M. Ali and M. H. Al-Dahhan, "Insights of Quantitative Imaging and Instantaneous Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurement in Spouted Bed Column," International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, vol. 117, article no. 110152, Elsevier, Jan 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2025.110152
Department(s)
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Publication Status
Full Text Access
Keywords and Phrases
Axial and radial variation; Cross-sectional imaging; Heat transfer coefficient distribution; Spouted bed column
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0142-727X
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2026
