This paper investigated the effect of Gaussian distribution width, average particle diameter, particle loading, and the tapered angle on minimum fluidization velocity (Umf) by conducting extensive experiments in tapered fluidized beds. Three powders with Gaussian size distribution and different distribution widths were used in the experiments. An increase in Umf with increasing the average particle diameter, particle loading, and the tapered angle was observed. There was also a nonmonotonic behavior of Umf as the Gaussian distribution width increased. An empirical correlation including dimensionless groups for predicting Umf in tapered beds was developed in which the effect of distribution width was considered. The proposed correlation predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data, with a maximum deviation of 16.5% and average and standard deviations of, respectively, 6.4% and 7.4%. The proposed correlation was also compared with three earlier models, and their accuracy was discussed.
