A comprehensive assessment of endogenous bubbles properties in fluidized bed reactors via X-ray imaging

Abstract

Properties of endogenous bubbles released during the devolatilization of a single biomass particle under inert conditions have been investigated by means of advanced X-ray imaging techniques. Distribution of void fraction showed that endogenous bubbles structure resembles that of classic bubbles observed in fluidized bed reactors, constituted by a cloud, wake and a central void region. A value of about 0.25 for the wake fraction has been obtained from experiments, which is in agreement with literature data for Geldart B particles. Volume of cloud region as a function of relative bubble velocity was generally well-described by the theoretical models of Davidson and Murray, showing effective recirculation of volatile matter around the bubble. Moreover, lack of mixing between bubbles and emulsion phase, as predicted by the Davidson's theory for classic bubbles, confirmed the bypass phenomenon observed for endogenous bubbles in previous studies. Owing to the non-invasive nature of the X-ray technique employed, it was possible to estimate the main features of endogenous bubbles with high accuracy. Knowledge provided in this work can be easily implemented to improve modelling of fluidized bed reactors applied to advanced thermochemical conversions, such as gasification and pyrolysis, of biomass and waste materials. • Devolatilization of biomass in fluidized beds generates endogenous bubbles • Advanced X-ray imaging provided comprehensive assessment of endogenous bubbles • Bubbles void fraction distribution is obtained by means of the Beer-Lambert law • Endogenous bubbles consist of a wake, cloud, and central gas-rich region • Endogenous bubbles strongly resemble traditional bubbles in bubbling regime