A genetic
programming (GP) algorithm is developed to estimate the minimum spouting
velocity (U
ms) in the spouted beds with
a cone base. In order to have a general model, five dimensionless
variables including seven critical geometric and operating parameters
of spouted beds, namely, column diameter, spout nozzle diameter, base
angle, static bed height, particle diameter, particle density, and
gas density, have been taken as model inputs. A general correlation
including nearly all fundamental and operating variables has been
obtained based on the GP approach. The U
ms values predicted by the GP are in fair agreement with those obtained
by experiments, with a root-mean-square error of 0.1329 m/s. The model
results show that GP can be used as an effective tool to provide relatively
accurate information on minimum spouting velocity in conical spouted
beds.