Effect of elevated pressure on fluidization phenomena. Final report

Abstract

This program consists of five tasks: (1) review of literature on fluidization velocities; (2) extension of existing fluidization correlations; (3) state-of-the-art review concerning flow regime transitions; (4) flow regime data analysis; and (5) identification of data gaps. This report summarizes the results obtained during the contract period. A critical review of the literature concerning the effect of elevated pressure and particle characteristics on minimum fluidization velocity, beginning fluidization velocity, minimum bubbling velocity, total fluidization velocity, and complete fluidization velocity was performed. Fluidization data from various sources were compiled and compared. A fundamental correlation with improved methodology was developed for estimating the minimum fluidization velocity at elevated pressure with good agreement. The developed correlation was found to be applicable at elevated temperature as well. The state-of-the-art of the effect of pressure and particle characteristics on flow regime transitions from bubbling to turbulent fluidization and from turbulent to fast fluidization were reviewed. Available data on the effect of elevated pressure and particle characteristics on flow regime transitions were analyzed, however, the information available in the literature was meager at best. The critical fluidization development areas were identified as the instrumentation development and the experiments carried out with reactive systems, under elevated temperature and pressure, and in large scale fluidization units. Potential research areas which are within the capability of the existing PETC high pressure test facility were also summarized. This was compiled on the basis of a literature survey on currently available literature information in those areas. 54 references, 10 figures, 7 tables.