Pilot scale studies in a fluidized bed for studying influence of distributor design in bed hydrodynamics

Abstract

Experiments in fluidized bed have been carried out with various designs of multi-cone distributor to study the change in hydrodynamic behaviour in a fluidized bed. An empirical model for the distributor pressure drop (empty bed) has been proposed based on experimental data. This equation will be helpful in diagnosing the clogged distributors. An aspect ratio of 1.8 (height of bed _{at U=0} / diameter of bed) or higher is found to avoid channeling and maintain bubbling fluidization. Also a smooth increase in <img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/ijct1.gif' border=0> with superficial gas velocity has been identified to represent the condition of uniform fluidization. This parameter was able to differentiate channeling and high expansion in the fluidized bed.