Coupled PIV/DIA for fluid dynamics studies on a Two-Section Two-Zone Fluidized Bed Reactor

Abstract

The Two-Zone Fluidized Bed Reactor (TZFBR) is an effective solution to integrate reactions and catalyst regeneration in a single fluidized bed reactor. In the present study an experimental investigation on the fluid dynamics of a Two Section TZFBR is presented. Bubble and particle fluidization properties have been analyzed for this new reactor concept using a combination of two non-invasive techniques, viz. Digital Image Analysis (DIA) coupled with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in a pseudo-2D TS-TZFBR. Results show how the reactor geometry affects the average equivalent bubble diameter and bubble velocity profiles, as well as the particle circulation patterns (between the two zones). It has been found that channeling and local defluidization phenomena are strongly influenced by the particle diameter, which therefore plays a key role in the design of an optimal geometry of a TS-TZFBR.