The numerical analysis by using CFX 11.0 commercial code was done for proper design of the heat exchanger. The present experimental studies were also conducted to investigate the effects of circulating solid particles on the characteristics of fluid flow, heat transfer and cleaning effect in the fluidized bed vertical shell and tube type heat exchanger with counterflow, at which a variety of solid particles such as glass (3 mmΦ), aluminum (2～3 mm Φ), steel (2～2.5 mmΦ), copper (2.5 mmΦ) and sand (2～4 mmΦ) were used in the fluidized bed with a smooth tube. Seven different solid particles have the same volume, and the effects of various parameters such as water flow rates, particle diameter, materials and geometry were investigated. The present experimental and numerical results showed that the flow velocity range for collision of particles to the tube wall was higher with heavier density solid particles, and the increase in heat transfer was in the order of sand, copper, steel, aluminum, and glass. This behavior might be attributed to the parameters such as surface roughness or particle heat capacity.