Prediction of Hydrodynamic Properties of Mixed-Particle Systems and Theoretical Analysis of Loop Pressure Profile in a CFB Unit

Abstract

The hydrodynamic behaviors of mixed system of particles were investigated in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) unit consisting of fast column (riser) with an inner diameter of 0.1016 m and a height of 5.62 m. Particle mixtures containing a Geldart group-A-like fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst with group-B-like sand and iron ore with coal were used to study the hydrodynamic features including static pressure, voidage, and loop pressure profile. The mixed system consisting of FCC catalyst and sand contained 20, 50, and 80 mass % sand, and the coal-iron ore mixture contained 80 mass % coal. The superficial air velocity ranged between 2.01 and 4.681 m/s, and the corresponding mass fluxes were 12.5-50 kg/(m{sup 2} s). A comparison of the available experimental values for static pressure profiles at different operating conditions for mixed-particle systems shows good agreement with those predicted from the single-particle systems. Using experimental data on the loop pressure balance, a simplified theoretical analysis was performed to predict the pressure profile in the CFB loop. The deviations between the two sets of values are within reasonable limits of accuracy.