Semi-Fluidization through Oscillatory Flow

Both Fig. 37 and Fig. 39 show solid particles highly dispersed as a dilute phase in the oscillating fluid, either gas or liquid, without evidence of any bubbles. When a packed bed of solid particles was subjected to the action of an oscillating liquid, however, only the upstroke portion of the periodic fluid motion was capable of dispersing the solid particles against the action of gravity, while during downstroke they fell back onto the distributor plate. 

The dynamics of such a mode of semi-fluidization is similar to that of jigging in ore dressing, which is a common operation in coal or ore dressing, though little used in the design of chemical reactors. Thus, at least on a periodic basis, jigging yields the same advantages as other modes of fluidization with no net fluid flow. 

---