Theoretical models for rates of heterogeneous reactions during combustion and gasification of liquid fuels in fluidized beds

Abstract

Two mathematical models to allow computations of chemical species production or consumption rates by heterogeneous reactions taking place during combustion and gasification of liquid fuels sprayed on or injected into fluidized beds of solid particles are proposed. The possibilities envisaged here are called: the CIP (Coated Inert Particles) and the CSP (Coke Shell Particle) models. The former assumes that the injected liquid fuel immediately coats the fluidized inert particles in the bed and then goes through pyrolysis, combustion and gasification reactions. The latter presumes that the liquid fuel drops go through fast pyrolysis before meeting any inert particles and the remaining coke hollow particles react with gases in the bed. Analytical solutions for various geometries of the inert particles in the bed are presented. The work does not include the governing equations which constitute the whole mathematical model of fluidized-bed reactors. Such can be found elsewhere. The present work concentrates only on the theoretical aspects. Experimental tests would allow verification if they properly represent the processes of liquid consumption during combustion and gasification processes consuming liquid fuels in fluidized beds and which model would better fit each individual situation.