Estimation of agglomerate size of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in fluidized beds

The objective of this study was to determine hydrodynamic characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) agglomerates and examine their sizes. The bed collapsing process of MWCNTs agglomerates was found to be closer to that of Geldart group C particles than group A particles. Median diameters of MWCNTs agglomerates determined by sedimentation method at initial superficial gas velocity of 0.120 and 0.190 m/s were 157 and 221 μm, respectively. The size of these MWCNTs agglomerates in fluidization state was measured by image analysis using a high speed camera. Median diameters of these MWCNTs agglomerates in freeboard were increased from 138 to 189 μm as superficial gas velocity was increased from 0.088 to 0.190 m/s at static bed height of 0.16 m. Median diameter and size distribution determined by sedimentation method fitted well with those measured using image analysis. Results were reasonable at superficial gas velocity up to 0.190 m/s.