Particle impact probe

Abstract

The Morgantown Energy Technology Center has been developing an instrumentation system to monitor the dynamic behavior of particles in fluidized beds with minimum disturbance of particle motion. During the first phase of development, a particle impact probe and a supporting electronic system have been designed. This probe and electronic system show capabilities for measuring the x, y, and z components of momentum transferred to the probe head by individual particle impacts and for measuring the x, y, and z components of solids force exerted on the probe head in dense fluidized beds. The prototype probe had an 0.125-in. diameter stainless steel tube base with an 0.125-in. diameter nylon sphere probe head mounted at one end. When impacted by particles, the probe head produced motion in a miniature electrode system mounted within the tube base. The signals produced by the electrode system were calibrated to produce either the components of the momentum vector of the probe head during individual particle impacts or the components of the force exerted on the probe head during multiple, closely spaced particle impacts. Researchers expect to make a miniature probe and increase its sensitivity and accuracy. 7 refs., 15 figs.