A Novel Configuration For Fluidized Bed

F.      Okasha

doi:10.2174/2211334711306020003

Abstract

A novel configuration for fluidized bed has been developed. It is basically a bubbling fluidized bed furnished with a spouted jet in the upper part of the bed. A part of gases is fed through the distributor to fluidize bed solids. The remaining part is fed through a vertical pipe creating a jet-fountain zone. A distinct feature of the novel configuration different from previous spouted bed patents and configurations is that the jet spout height is independent of the bed height. The experiments carried out using the novel configuration furnish promising results. The power consumption in delivering gases is found much lower when applying the novel configuration. Moreover, bubble sizes reduce considerably in the main bed as only a part of gases passes through it. Tests on combustion of a gaseous fuel indicate that the novel configuration enables smooth combustion of gaseous fuels and a rapid reliable method for initial heating of fluidized bed combustor. Staged air combustion technique is also applied. Drying silica gel has been tested in the novel configuration and in the conventional fluidized bed. Results demonstrate that the overall mass transfer rate is considerably higher in the novelconfiguration, particularly, at higher air flowrate.

Keywords: Fluidized Bed, Jet, Combustion, Gaseous Fuels, Staged air, Drying, Silica Gel, Mass Transfer.