The main characteristic of the fluidization process of particulate mixtures is the interaction between bed suspension and segregation-remixing dynamics of their components. On addressing the fluidization properties of binary beds of solids differing either in particle density or diameter, the paper shows how interpretations based on definition of a minimum fluidization velocity of the mixture can lead to erroneous conclusions about the influence played by system variables on their behaviour. An alternative method of investigation is followed which takes into consideration the existence of a finite velocity interval, bounded by the "initial" and "final fluidization velocity" of the mixture, along which the whole process of fluidization has place. The results of a wide series of experiments demonstrate that this alternative approach allows recognizing the independent variables of binary fluidization; they also highlight the differences of behaviour between density- and size-segregating beds. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.