Influence of aeration on the hydrodynamic behavior of a pressurized circulating fluidized bed

Abstract

In the present investigation, the effect of aeration rate on bed hydrodynamics in the riser of a pressurized circulating fluidized bed (PCFB) has been studied. Experiments are conducted with two different bed inventories, viz. 500 and 750 g. Aeration superficial velocities, Usup = 0.65, 1.94, and 3.23 m/s respectively are used to observe the change of bed hydrodynamics of the PCFB. Operating velocities of 2.72, 3.4 and 4.08 m/s and pressures of 100, 200, and 250 kPa are maintained for each inventory and aeration rate. It has been observed that the suspension density increases along the riser height with the decrease in aeration rate. The solid circulation rate increases with the increase in aeration rate as well as primary air flow rate. The present study will help in optimizing the aeration rate for smooth operation of the non-mechanical valve or the stand pipe without obstruction of inventory material.