Experimental and CFD simulation studies on bell-type air nozzles of CFB boilers

Abstract

In this paper, a new bell-type air nozzle, which overcomes the structural defects of traditional bell-type air nozzles, is proposed and validated by cold test and numerical simulation. The pressure drop characteristic of the new bell-type air nozzle is measured. Furthermore, the causes of cover outlet abrasion and blockage, inner tube fracture, and irregular resistance change in traditional bell-type air nozzles applied in circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers are analyzed. Then, the performance of the new bell-type air nozzle is evaluated in a real CFB boiler, which is operated under regular working conditions. The results show that the new bell-type air nozzle has stronger anti-wear ability, excellent resistance characteristics, longer service life, and easier maintenance.