Gas-solid Mixture Research Articles

Acoustic emission and machine learning algorithms for particle size analysis in gas-solid fluidized bed reactors

In this work, a combination of an acoustic emission (AE) technique and a machine learning (ML) algorithm (Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR)) is developed to characterize the particle size distribution in gas-solid fluidized bed reactors. A theoretical approach to explain the generation of acoustic emission signal in gas-solid flows is presented. An AE signal is generated in gas-solid fluidized beds due to the collision and friction between fluidized particles as well as between particles and the bed inner wall. The generated AE signal is in the form of an elastic wave with frequencies >100 KHz and it propagates through the gas-solid mixture. An inversion algorithm is used to extract the information about the particle size starting from the energy of the AE signal. The advantages of this AE technique are that it is a cheap, sensitive, non-intrusive, radiation-free, suitable for on-line measurements. Combining this AE technique with ML algorithms is beneficial for applications to industrial settings, reducing the cost of signal post-processing. Experiments were conducted in a pseudo-2D flat fluidized bed with four glass bead samples, with sizes ranging from 100 μm to 710 μm. AE signals were recorded with a sampling frequency of 5 MHz. The AE signal post-processing and data preparation for the ML process are explained. For the ML process, the AE frequency, AE energy and particle collision velocity data sets were divided into training (60%), cross-validation (20%) and test sets (20%). Two ensemble ML approaches, namely Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Regressor, are applied to predict particle sizes based on the AE signal features. The combination of these two models results in a coefficient of determination (R2) value greater than 0.9504.

Real-time detection and discrimination of radioactive gas mixtures using nanoporous inorganic scintillators

The nuclear industry’s expansion to encompass carbon-free electricity generation from small modular reactors and nuclear fuel reprocessing necessitates enhanced detection and monitoring of pure beta-emitting radioactive elements such as 3H and 85Kr; this endeavour is crucial for nuclear safety authorities tasked with environmental monitoring. However, the short range of electrons emitted by these gases makes detection challenging. Current methods, such as ionization chambers and liquid scintillation, do not offer at the same time good sensitivity, real-time analysis and ease of implementation. We demonstrate an approach using a gas–solid mixture to overcome these limitations. We synthetized a transparent and scintillating nanoporous material, an aerogel of Y3Al5O12:Ce4+, and achieved real-time detection with an efficiency of 96% for 85Kr and 18% for 3H. The method reaches a sensitivity below 100 mBq per cm3 over 100 s measurement time. We are able to measure simultaneously as mixtures containing both 3H and 85Kr a capability not possible previously. Our results demonstrate a compact and robust detection system for inline measurement of strategic radioactive gases. This combination of concept and method enhances nuclear power plant management and contributes to environmental safeguarding. Beyond the detection issues, this concept opens a wide field of new methods for radionuclide metrology.

A study on the scale dependence of mixing indices for Eulerian multiphase models

AbstractMixing can vary based on the scale at which the system is observed, and a mixing index that can capture the features at different length scales is desirable. In this article, we analyze the scale dependence of the mixing indices developed for Eulerian multiphase models. Relevant length scales are distinguished by filtering solid fraction fields. The scale‐dependence study is first done on manufactured fields of solid fraction to assess the performance of the mixing indices. The study is extended to a two‐dimensional CFD simulation of the segregation of a bidisperse gas–solid mixture. The local mixing index performs well in capturing the spatial variation of mixing at different scales. The scale dependence of two global mixing indices is considered in the study, where the state of mixing is defined based on statistical measures. We demonstrate that the choice of measures influences the sensitivity of mixing indices to mixing at different scales.

Pressure Characteristics and Secondary Ignition Effects of Gas Produced in RDE Using Lignite and Anthracite/CH4 Fuel.

This study aims to address the energy efficiency release and environmental impact of coal dust in rotating detonation engines (RDEs) by monitoring the detonation characteristics of lignite and anthracite in methane gas-solid mixtures using high-precision sensor technology. Experimental results indicate that the peak detonation pressure of anthracite is 1.4% higher than that of lignite, and its detonation wave propagation speed is at least 5.5% faster, suggesting that anthracite exhibits more stable and efficient fuel energy release characteristics during detonation. Additionally, the sensor technology enabled detailed recording of pressure fluctuations and gas composition changes during the detonation process, providing accurate data for assessing and controlling emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These data are crucial for designing more efficient and environmentally friendly coal dust detonation systems, enhancing mine safety and environmental protection. The outcomes of this research not only advance technological progress in the field of energy science but also address efficiency and environmental issues in industrial applications, offering significant support for achieving safer and more sustainable energy production methods.

Measurement and theoretical analysis of effective thermal conductivity of lanthanum pentanickel powder beds for hydrogen storage in different particle sizes and bed porosities

Particle diameter and bed porosity change due to the expansion and contraction of metal hydride particles during hydrogen absorption and desorption, which leads to variations in the effective thermal conductivity of metal hydride beds. Therefore, the effective thermal conductivity of the metal hydride beds under different bed porosities and particle diameters must be measured for the design of metal hydride-based hydrogen storage tanks. In this study, the effective thermal conductivities of four kinds of lanthanum pentanickel (LaNi5) powder beds with different bed porosities and particle diameters were measured in various gas atmospheres with gas pressure varying from 0.1 to 4.0 MPa. The volume mean diameters of the four kinds of LaNi5 powders equal 335.2, 196.4, 147.7, and 23.7 μm, respectively. Subsequently, the effects of bed porosity and particle diameter on the effective thermal conductivities were analyzed through the modified Zehner–Schlünder–Damköhler model considering the Smoluchowski effect. Experimental results show that particle diameter and bed porosity influence markedly the effective thermal conductivity of lanthanum pentanickel (LaNi5) powder beds. However, the findings of theoretical analysis based on the modified Zehner–Schlünder–Damköhler model reveal the considerably weaker effect of particle diameter on the effective thermal conductivity under identical bed porosity compared with the measurement results. Such a finding was observed because the variation in particle diameter inevitably changed bed porosity during the effective thermal conductivity measurement, which also affected the effective thermal conductivity of the beds. In addition, decreasing bed porosity and increasing particle diameter can remarkably improve the heat transport via the gas–solid mixture pathway, which improved the effective thermal conductivity of the beds and thus explained the experimental results.

CFD Simulation of an Industrial Dust Cyclone Separator: A Comparison with Empirical Models: The Influence of the Inlet Velocity and the Particle Size on Performance Factors in Situation of High Concentration of Particles

The present work is dedicated to the study of multiphase turbulent and three-dimensional rotational flow in dust cyclones, a contribution to air pollution control. Cyclones are widely used devices for the separation of constituents from solid-gas mixtures in industry. In order to improve the filtration efficiency of cyclones, and to reduce the pressure drop, parametric numerical simulation studies using the Fluent code have been conducted to characterise the effects of the parameters affecting the operation of these devices through their performance indicators. In this work, the effect of inlet velocity and the particle size on the turbulent flow air in the cyclone is presented. Numerical simulation of the flow by Fluent code using three numerical models: the first based on the dissipation of kinetic energy by viscosity (RNG) K-epsilon and standard K-epsilon as well as the last based on the solution of Reynolds stress equations (RSM), combined with the multiphase mixing model, gave interesting results in terms of the pressure and flow field in the separator, the variation of inlet velocity, and the variation of particle size. Validation with experimental and empirical results showed the advantage of the Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM) over the standard K-epsilon and RNG K-epsilon. The RSM model better captures physical phenomena in an intense vortex flow in the presence of walls. But it is characterised by a very long calculation time and requires large machine resources. An alternative to this model is RNG K-epsilon model, which offers a reasonable calculation time with acceptable results (maximum deviation of 5 %) for speed values below 10 m/s. In the absence of numerical resources, certain empirical models such as those of First (for the evaluation of pressure drop) and Iozia and Leith (for evaluation of efficiency) may well be useful for the dimensioning of the cyclone.

Numerical simulations and validation of gas–solid flows in a fluidized‐bed roaster based on the CFD‐DPM model

AbstractIn view of the complex gas–solid flow characteristics in a fluidized‐bed roaster, the discrete phase model (DPM) provided by ANSYS software was used to numerically analyze the model using a coupled algorithm. The asymmetric flow phenomenon in the transition section at the top of the furnace was found to be unfavourable to the gas–solid flow, and an inverted U‐shaped furnace structure was proposed to optimize the transition section at the top of the furnace. A large cold experimental setup was built to verify the model. The results showed that the air velocity is mainly in the axial upward direction; under the action of the gas, the solid particles and the air velocity are basically in the same direction. The main furnace and subfurnace connection section changes the movement of the gas–solid mixture, and its unreasonable structure leads to the asymmetric flow phenomenon of the gas–solid fluid at the top of the furnace. Compared with the previous furnace structure, the uniformity of gas–solid flow in the optimized ‘inverted U‐shaped’ structure has been significantly improved. The cold experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results, which verifies the accuracy of the proposed model.

Emission factors of industrial boilers burning biomass-derived fuels

ABSTRACT Boilers are combustion devices that provide process heat and are integral to many industrial facilities. Historically, outside of the pulp and paper industry, most boilers burned fossil fuels, although interest in decarbonization has been leading to an increased use of renewable fuels in boilers. These boilers, including those in the biorefineries, are often large sources of air pollutant emissions, and the characterization of these emissions is critical to obtaining air permits and ensuring protection of the surrounding air quality. Several industrial boilers and new biorefineries allow utilization of biomass-derived fuels (e.g. wastewater sludge, lignin, etc.) produced during their operation as a fuel for the boiler to meet process energy needs. However, there is limited empirical data on emission factors for the burning of unconventional fuels, such as solid-gas mixtures containing biomass residues. To fill this gap, we carry out a comprehensive data survey, collecting information on emission factors for boilers burning either a single or a mixture of solid and gaseous biomass-derived fuels. We review multiple hard-to-obtain and unconventional data sources, such as air permit applications, stack test data, and industry-sponsored data collection efforts, to compile emission factors for biomass-derived fuels. We then compare this data with wood residue emission factors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AP-42 emission factor database. Our results indicate that the emission factors for boilers burning unconventional fuels vary widely depending on the fuel composition, boiler type, and fuel characteristics. Overall, we find that median emission factors of selected biomass-derived fuels are typically lower than those of wood residue boilers in AP-42. The information collected herein could be useful to permitting agencies and industries utilizing boilers who may want to reduce the carbon impact of their facilities by combusting biomass-derived wastes for process energy needs, for more accurate emission estimation for permitting. Implications: Emission factors are often used for air permitting, specifically for emission estimation purposes. This study carries out a comprehensive data survey of emission factors burning unconventional biomass-derived fuels from underutilized sources such as air permits, stack test data, and industry-led efforts, and compare the results to EPA’s wood residue emission factor database. The results from this study can be used can be used by multiple stakeholders such as air permitting agencies, industries burning biomass-derived fuels, and biorefineries, that utilize more advanced boiler technologies. The findings can help mitigate risks to industry owners and operators and helps to avoid delays in obtaining the required air permits that arise due to inappropriate emission estimates in permit applications.

Analytical Solution for Unsteady Adiabatic Flow Behind the Blast Wave in a Non-ideal Gas and Small Inert Solid Particles Mixture

Analytical Solution for Unsteady Adiabatic Flow Behind the Blast Wave in a Non-ideal Gas and Small Inert Solid Particles Mixture

Prediction of Peak Overpressure of Charge Enveloped by Polymer Matrix Composite: Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Verification.

This study aimed at elucidating some characteristics of the shock wave overpressure generated by a non-traditional layered charge comprising an inner high-energy explosive and an outer polymer matrix composite. Two models for predicting the peak overpressure (Δpm) of the charge were established, namely, a model based on the initial parameters of the blast wave, and a model considering the weakening of the explosion energy through the introduction of polymer matrix cladding. The overpressure of a typical layered charge was experimentally measured for model validation. It was found that the difference between the Δpm predicted by the two models and the experimental data is less than 15.12% and 14.17%, respectively. The model that was established based on the conservation of energy law, is in best agreement with the experimental data under different cladding/charge mass ratios (αm). The model that was based on the initial parameters of the blast wave obtained a low predicted value when αm was 0.4-0.8, which is attributed to the non-uniformity of the gas-solid mixture during the explosive dispersion stage.

Degradation of cellulose polymorphs into glucose by HCl gas with simultaneous suppression of oxidative discoloration

As cellulose is the main polysaccharide in biomass, its degradation into glucose is a major undertaking in research concerning biofuels and bio-based platform chemicals. Here, we show that pressurized HCl gas is able to efficiently hydrolyze fibers of different crystalline forms (polymorphs) of cellulose when the water content of the fibers is increased to 30–50 wt%. Simultaneously, the harmful formation of strongly chromophoric humins can be suppressed by a simple addition of chlorite into the reaction system. 50–70 % glucose yields were obtained from cellulose I and II polymorphs while >90 % monosaccharide conversion was acquired from cellulose IIIII after a mild post-hydrolysis step. Purification of the products is relatively unproblematic from a gas-solid mixture, and a gaseous catalyst is easier to recycle than the aqueous counterpart. The results lay down a basis for future practical solutions in cellulose hydrolysis where side reactions are controlled, conversion rates are efficient, and the recovery of products and reagents is effortless.

Characteristics of Gas–Solid Mixture Flows through a Packed Moving Bed of Coarse Particles

Characteristics of Gas–Solid Mixture Flows through a Packed Moving Bed of Coarse Particles

Ablative Thermal Response for Two-Dimensional Axisymmetric Problems

This work describes the development of the finite-element-based ablative and thermal response simulator (FEATS) in a two-dimensional axisymmetric framework for standard ablative materials subjected to high heat fluxes. Finite element method employing the Galerkin’s weighted residual method for energy and mass conservation system of a gas–solid mixture is used. Darcy’s relation serves as the gas momentum equation. Pyrolysis and surface recession due to thermal ablation is modeled by employing a contracting grid scheme. The validation of simulator for various one-dimensional cases is presented. Axisymmetric analysis is also presented to demonstrate the capability of simulator to deal with an irregular geometry.

Analysis of Complex Solid-Gas Flow under the Influence of Gravity through Inclined Channel and Comparison with Real-Time Dual-Sensor System

Gas-solid flow is used in the chemical industry, food industry, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and power generation. The calculation of flow has aroused great interest in contemporary industry. In recent decades, researchers have been seeking to build an effective system to monitor and calculate gas-solid flow. Attempts have been extended from computational modeling to the creation of flow pattern visualization methods and mass flow (MFR) quantification. MFR is usually studied by volume flow concentration (VFC) and velocity distribution of solid particles. A non-invasive device is used for testing MFR, in which electronic and mechanical sensors are used to balance the shortcomings related to each other. This study investigates the simulation of flow patterns to demonstrate the behavior of solid particles as they pass through the channel. The particles are allowed to slide longitudinally in the insulated tending channel. This slippage is due to the influence of natural gravity. Electronic sensor components are used to measure the velocity distribution and concentration of volumetric flow. The load cell is used as an auxiliary sensor for measuring MFR. In addition, ANSYS fluent is used to analyze streaming queries. The experimental results are related to evaluating the accuracy and relative error of the data collected from various sensors under different conditions. However, the simulation results can help explain the movement of the gas-solid mixture and can understand the cause of pipeline blockage during the slow movement of solid particles.

Approximate analytical solution for the propagation of shock wave in a mixture of small solid particles and non-ideal gas: isothermal flow

Abstract This paper presents the development of mathematical model to obtain the approximate analytical solutions for isothermal flows behind the strong shock (blast) wave in a van der Waals gas and small solid particles mixture. The small solid particles are continuously distributed in the mixture and the equilibrium conditions for flow are maintained. To derive the analytical solutions, the physical variables such as density, pressure, and velocity are expanded using perturbation method in power series. The solutions are derived in analytical form for first approximation, and for second order approximation the set of differential equations are also obtained. The effects of an increase in the problem parameters value on the physical variables are investigated for first order approximation. A comparison is also, made between the solution of cylindrical shock and spherical shock. It is found that the fluid density and fluid pressure become zero near the point or axis of symmetry in spherical or cylindrical symmetry, respectively, and therefore a vacuum is created near the point or axis of symmetry which is in tremendous conformity with the physical condition in laboratory to generate the shock wave.

Jet fires involving releases of gas and solid particle

The high-pressure leakage of underground pipeline could entrain the nearby sands and soils, and thus cause the jet fire of gas-solid mixtures. In addition, the thermal runaway of Lithium ion batteries could also cause a typical gas-solid jet diffusion flame. In comparison with the gaseous jet diffusion flame and the gas-solid-air jet premixed flame, the gas-solid jet diffusion flame lacks of exploration. Thus, a new facility consisting of a jet fire apparatus and a sand feeder, was designed to explore the gas-solid jet fire. The test repeatability was justified for the proposed facility. The dynamical differences of gas-solid and gaseous jet fires are clarified. It is found that the gas-solid jet fire holds a larger lift-off height, a less visible flame height and a less radiative fraction than the purely gaseous jet fire. In particular, for gas-solid jet fires at high exit velocities, the lift-off height increases, but the visible flame height and radiative fraction seem to decrease, as the particle size of sand decreases to increase the jet height of sand. (1) Inside the flame volume, the sand plays a role of heat sink to decrease the flame temperature and thus the flame burning velocity. Moreover, in the lift-off region, the sand dilutes the gas fuel and isolates the surrounding oxygen to inhibit the combustion. Both effects of sand cause a large lift-off height, especially for the sand of little particle size. (2) A large lift-off height means the increase of the air mass entrained from flame base or the portion of the premixed flame to the whole flame. In addition, the sand particle-laden flow would significantly increase the ambient air entrainment rate of fire plume. Both effects result in a less visible flame height. (3) The portion of the premixed flame increases in the bottom, which reduces the total soot amount inside the whole flame volume. The decrease of the flame temperature and the total soot amount reduces the radiative fraction. (4) The sand significantly affects the flame geometry and radiative fraction, which alters the radiant heat flux distribution and challenges the development of thermal radiation model for gas-solid jet fires. The gas-solid jet fire holds a less peak radiant heat flux but a higher positon of peak radiant heat flux than the gaseous jet fire. In addition, the line source radiation model available in literature is revised to well predict the radiant heat flux distribution of the gas-solid jet fires.

Fluidization analysis for catalytic decomposition of methane over carbon blacks for solar hydrogen production

A series of bed collapse tests were conducted for determining the dense fluidization flow rate of a gas-solid mixture in a micro-channel fluidized bed reactor, and a separate simulation was created for calculating the reactor conversion and temperature of the catalytic methane pyrolysis. The minimum fluidization and minimum bubbling flow rates were determined to be 3.04 and 8.07 sccm for a 2 × 4 mm2 reactor channel with an average voidage of 0.57; 6.21 and 15.9 sccm for a 4 × 6 mm2 channel with an average voidage of 0.42, respectively. By building a correlation between these critical velocities and the cross-sectional area of the fluidized bed reactor channel, the dense fluidization flow rate at the micro-/mini-channel level with an internal diameter range from 0.3 to 1 mm is predicted between 1.47 to 4.21 sccm. In the simulation, an internal diameter of 0.6 mm, a 10-kW solar input rate, and an initial gas flow rate from 0.08 to 0.23 sccm that expands to 1.5–4.3 ccm at the reaction temperature, are considered as the optimal conditions to maintain a reasonable conversion of methane pyrolysis and to keep the mixed fluid in the dense fluidization within the laminar flow range. The conversion of 79% under these conditions was calculated numerically and found to be promising compared to literature reports. An additional force analysis on a single carbon black particle is shown with different reactor orientations to validate the experimental data and simulation results.

Experimental study to assess the explosion hazard of CH4/coal dust mixtures induced by high-temperature source surface

The explosion accident caused by the spontaneous combustion surface of coal after the coal dust is rolled up by the gas gushing from the goal seriously threatens the safety of coal coal mining. Based on this hazard, self-developed gas explosion equipment is used to detonate the CH4/coal dust mixture by high-temperature source. The process and mechanism of gas/coal dust explosion induced by coal spontaneous combustion in goaf were simulated, and its risk was evaluated. It is of great significance to understand the initiation mechanism of gas-solid mixture through coal spontaneous combustion in goaf. The results show that the explosion pressure (Pgd), explosion temperature (Tgd), rate of pressure rise ((dP/dt)gd), and explosion index (K) of CH4/coal dust mixtures are closely related to the temperature of high-temperature source and volatile content. The role of coal dust volatiles in homogeneous and nonhomogeneous reactions was revealed. Combined with three explosion parameters (Pgd, Tgd, K), the most dangerous explosion combination concentration of the selected CH4/coal dust mixture is (9.5 %, 500 g/m3), (9.5 %, 400 g/m3), and (8.5 %, 500 g/m3) at 1073 K ignition temperature. The involvement of coal dust leads to a lower explosion limit for CH4/air. The Jiang model has better applicability to the prediction of lower explosion limits for CH4/coal dust mixtures induced by the high-temperature source surface.

Dilute gas‐particle suspension in a diffuser: A two‐fluid modelling approach

AbstractThe present study evaluates the loss coefficient of a diffuser carrying a gas–solid mixture with the volume fraction of the solid in the medium to upper limits of the dilute phase flow (solid volume fraction in the range of 0.005–0.10). In light of the computational analysis, it is observed that an increase in the concentration of the solid phase always helps in overcoming the losses despite a significant dissipation of energy due to collisions. Moreover, the loss coefficient lessens as the solid‐phase density reduces. Under the operating conditions where the collisions become significant, a critical particle size (≈200 μm) is obtained. The loss coefficient mitigates gradually with an increase in the particle size up to this value but enhances beyond it. An increase in the diffuser angle enhances the loss; however, its effect becomes less prominent as the solid volume fraction increases (typically for solid volume fraction greater than or equal to 0.02).

Analytical solution of a heat transfer model for a tubular co-current diluted moving bed heat exchanger with indirect heating and thermal losses to the environment

A mathematical model for a co-current moving bed heat exchanger (MBHE) is presented. The bed is diluted and composed of spheres of uniform radius which are transported by a dragging fluid in plug flow. The gas-solid mixture is heated indirectly by a flue gas, which flows in a jacket around the MBHE. Intraparticle temperature gradients and thermal losses to the external environment are considered. The model is solved analytically by the Self-Adjoint Operator method (SAO) and numerically by a combination of the Finite Analytical (FA) and the Finite Difference (FD) method. The results show excellent agreement and the comparison with experimental data validates the model, enabling its use in the design and analysis of MBHEs for which thermal losses are a relevant factor. MBHE effectiveness is defined, and it is shown - for a selected case - that the addition of 5.0 cm thick glass wool raises it by 25.5%.