Combustion mathematical simulation of single seaweed particle in a bench-scale fluidized bed

Abstract

In this study, combustion experiments of green algae granulations (Enteromorpha clathrata) (EN) were carried out in a bench-scale fluidized bed. The particle diameter was kept constant during the combustion process and combustion model was described as a shrinking core model. Model was divided into water ball, volatile-matter ball, and carbon ball. Ash ball radius was assumed to be the same during the combustion and carbon ball was burned layer by layer. Simulation of single-particle combustion process consists of process of water evaporation, release of volatile matters and combustion, and the process of char combustion. Finally, a mathematical model was established for the combustion of EN single particle in the fluidized bed, validated by the experiment data. The model can be applied for the design of the combustion devices for the combustion of seaweed particles with high content of ash.