Experimental study of the hydrodynamics and cluster formation in a circulating fluidized bed. Topical report, January 1, 1991--June 30, 1992

摘要

This research program involves two major aspects. First, to evaluate techniques to effectively probe the polydisperse gas-solid flows and second, to apply these techniques to study the gas-solid flow structure and clusters in the riser of a circulating fluidized bed riser. Amongst the non-intrusive techniques a modified laser Doppler technique based on the fluorescence-emission concept has been adopted and the other techniques involve pitot-static pressure probes. A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) facility has been designed, built and is currently operational at West Virginia University. The design provides for maximum versatility in investigating the hydrodynamics of the CFB riser. Two stage cyclones are employed to capture the particles exhausted from the riser. Measurements of gas velocity distribution were carried out in the circulating fluidized bed riser. with particles having a mean diameter of 112 (mu)m and a density of 2305 kg/m(sup 3) and another set of particles with a mean diameter of 145 (mu)m and a density of 2245 kg/m(sup 3). The experimental results showed that the local gas velocity varied with the radial position, elevation, solids circulation rate, superficial velocity and particle size. A general formula for gas velocity distribution in the circulating fluidized bed riser was obtained based on the particle circulation, superficial velocity and particle diameter. The pressure drops across the L-valve were also studied for different particle sizes, L-valve diameters and aeration. The solids flowrate was found to be a function of the L-valve geometry, operating parameters and solids properties. Pressure drop of L-valve increases with increasing solids diameter and decreasing diameter of the L-valve. Pressure drop across standpipe increases as the solids diameter and diameter of the standpipe decrease.