The characteristics of particle flow in the overflow and underflow standpipe of fluidized beds

Characteristics of particle flow in the standpipes of a 10 cm I.D.×120 cm high fluidized bed were investigated. The standpipes used in this experiment were vertical overflow and vertical underflow standpipes. Sand particles and polyethylene powders were employed as the bed materials. The effects of standpipe diameter, gas velocity and particle properties on the solid flow rate were determined. The experimental results showed that the flow behaviors of solids through the overflow and underflow standpipes are different with variations of operating conditions. For both standpipes, the mass flow rate of solids was strongly dependent on the standpipe diameter. For the overflow standpipe, the increase of gas velocity increased the solids flow rate. But for the underflow standpipe it decreased the solid flow rate. From the measured pressure drops, solid fractions in the standpipes were determined by the momentum balance. The obtained experimental data of solids mass flow rate were well correlated with the pertinent dimensionless groups for underflow as well as overflow standpipes.     

Improvement of continuous solid circulation rate measurement in a cold flow circulating fluidized bed

A method is described to independently estimate the solids velocity and voidage in the moving bed portion of the NETL circulating fluidized bed (CFB). These quantities are used by a device that continuously measures the solids circulation rate. The device is based on the use of a rotating Spiral vane installed in the standpipe of a circulating fluid bed (CFB). Correlations were developed from transient experiments and steady state mass balance data to correct the solids velocity and solids fraction in the standpipe as a function of standpipe aeration rate. A set of statistically-designed experiments was used to establish the need for these corrections and to verify the accuracy of solid circulation rate measurements after correction. The differences between the original and corrected measurements were quantitatively compared.     

Gas and solids mixing in a dynamically scaled fluid coker stripper

Gas mixing and solids mixing were studied in a geometrically and dynamically scaled cold model fluid coker stripper. Tracer gas (helium) was first injected into the stripper standpipe to quantify total gas entrainment into the underflow stream. Tracer gas was then injected into the upper reactor and lower stripper separately to investigate gas mixing in the stripper. The stripping efficiency was found to depend strongly on operating conditions (solids circulation rate, stripping gas velocity) as well as on the baffle configuration in the stripper. Unsteady state measurements were also obtained in an effort to understand gas dispersion in the stripper. The results show that gas mixing is most intensive in the stripper core. To study solids mixing and residence time distribution in the stripper, solid tracer particles impregnated with salt were injected into the reactor and detected at the top of the stripper and standpipe. The results indicate that axial dispersion of solids in the presence of the baffles could be represented by axially dispersed plug flow.     

High density and high solids flux CFB risers for steam gasification of solids fuels

The application of high density and high solids flux CFB risers for steam gasification of solids fuels like coal and biomass has been examined in this paper. A simple mass and energy balance analysis revealed that a steam gasification riser needed to be operated at high solids fluxes in order to supply sufficient heat from the standpipe by circulating hot solids to the endothermic gasification reactor. The important design considerations to achieve high solids circulation rate in the CFB unit were discussed in this paper with emphasis given to the riser height, solids inventory, standpipe to riser diameter ratio, and solids feeding control device.     

Hydrodynamics of the Stripper Section of Fluid Cokers

The hydrodynamics of fluid bed cokers were studied by analyzing pressure fluctuations and particle motion in a half‐column cold model, geometrically and dynamically similar (with key dimensionless groups matched) to the stripper section of two commercial fluid cokers. Superficial gas velocity and solids circulation strongly affected the hydrodynamics. The pressure drop over the top section of the stripper decreased at high solids circulation fluxes and high gas velocities due to flooding. Flooding occurred prematurely when fouling was simulated. Steam redistribution did not improve stripper performance for the conditions investigated. However, steep sheds on the top row, aeration behind the solids exit and standpipe aeration all improved solids circulation, leading to reduced fouling in two commercial fluid cokers.     

垂直立管中颗粒移动床蠕动流动特性的实验研究

在无负压差的环境下,采用PV6D型颗粒速度测量仪,考察了垂直立管中FCC催化剂颗粒移动床的蠕动流动特性. 结果表明,颗粒质量流率较小时立管中颗粒流动具有明显的蠕动流动特性,可划分为两种流态,拟气固雷诺数Re<500时为间歇式蠕动流动,5004000时颗粒的蠕动流动转变为密相流化流动. 立管中颗粒的蠕动流动主要是出口区颗粒成拱与崩塌交替进行产生的,其次为颗粒与器壁滑动摩擦力的不稳定性变化起作用. 微观上颗粒流动的蠕动行为是颗粒之间力链作用变化的结果.     

The control of bed height and solids circulation rate in the standpipe of a cold flow circulating fluidized bed

Circulating fluidized beds (CFBs) are used widely in the chemical industry. Knowing or estimating the bed height in the standpipe and the solids circulation rate are essential for effective control of the system. This paper incorporates a 2-region model to calculate the bed height in the standpipe with a Kalman filter algorithm to estimate the solids circulation rate (SCR). Simulations of both the standpipe bed height and SCR were compared with experimental data and shown to give good agreement.

In addition, a neural network method was applied to model the entire cold flow CFB system and measured data sets were used to train the neurons of the network. Finally, a linear controller was applied to control both the bed height and solids circulation rate to desired set points. Simulations were performed for both positive and negative step inputs for both variables and satisfactory control was demonstrated using this controller in combination with the neutral network and Kalman estimator.     

Introduction to papers presented at the 8th annual fine particle society conference,Chicago, August, 1976

Industrial standpipes for gas—solid recirculation systems are often installed with slide valves at their lower end for control of solid flow and pressure balance. By combining the equations for gas—solid dense phase flow with equations for flow of fluidized solids through an orifice, a set of equations is presented for standpipe design. The equations permit quantitative design of a standpipe and can be used to predict the effects of terminal pressure, slide valve opening position and aeration rate on gas and solid circulation rates, flow pattern and pressure profile in standpipes.     

负压差立管内的气固两相流

在φ800 mm×12000 mm流化床实验装置上对150 mm×11500 mm负压差立管内气固两相流的轴向压力、空隙率和气体流动特性进行了测量和分析.立管出口无约束淹没在密相流化床内,颗粒质量流率范围G_s<1200 kg&#8226;m^-2&#8226;s^-1.立管内气固两相流态有两种存在形式,当颗粒质量流率G_s<200～250 kg&#8226;m^-2&#8226;s^-1时,流态是稀密两相共存形式;当G_s>200～250 kg&#8226;m^-2&#8226;s^-1时,流态是浓相输送流态.两种流态之间可以相互转换,主要取决于颗粒质量流率的变化.影响立管内气固两相流的轴向压力、空隙率分布、气相的流动特性和气固流态存在形式的主要参数是颗粒质量流率G_s、旋风分离器入口速度V_i、下端流化床流化速度u_f,质量流率G_s是主要的影响因素.     

A model for the pressure balance of a low density circulating fluidized bed

The pressure balance along the solid circulation loop of a circulating fluidized bed equipped with a solid flux regulating device has been modelled and the influence of the pressure balance on the riser behaviour has been predicted.The solid circulation loop has been divided into many sections, where the pressure drop was calculated independently: riser, cyclone, standpipe, control device and return duct. A new theoretical model, that is able to predict the pressure losses in the return path of the solid from the standpipe to the riser, has been built. A new correlation for cyclone pressure loss with very high solid loads has been found on the basis of experimental data.The pressure loss in the riser has been calculated by imposing the closure of the pressure balance, ΣΔP = 0. Once the riser pressure drop had been calculated, the holdup distribution along the riser was obtained by imposing a particular shape of the profile, according to the different fluid-dynamics regimes (fast fluidization or pneumatic transport). In the first case, an exponential decay was imposed and the bottom holdup was adjusted to fit the total pressure drop, in the second case, the height of the dense zone was instead varied.The experimental data was used to develop the sub-models for the various loop sections have been obtained in a 100 mm i.d. riser, 6 m high, CFB. The solid was made of Geldart B group alumina particles. The tests were carried out with a gas velocity that ranged between 2 and 4 m/s and a solid flux that ranged between 20 and 170 kg/m²s. A good agreement was found between the model and experimental data.     

Mechanical Device Designed for Preventing Hydrocyclone Clogging and Air-Core Formation

The clogging of hydrocyclones as part of the solids control system in the oil industry is a recurrent operational problem. This occurs mainly due to the agglomeration of fine solids in the underflow duct and also to the incidence of higher-size-range particles than those specified for the equipment. Another common issue that results in poor performance is the formation of an air-core in the low-pressure zone of the separator. In this study, an innovative device coupled to the underflow output of the hydrocyclone was developed in order to minimize these problems. The aim is to mechanically adjust the apex area in a fast and accurate manner, and thus create oscillations in the inlet pressure and flows, constituting a safety system to prevent clogging and air-core formation.     

负压差移动床上管料斗中散体颗粒流动特征──Ⅱ散体颗粒平均质量流率研究

本文给出利用料斗中体均压力梯度与立管压力梯度的关系判别压力控制区、气泡控制区、气栓控制区和悬料区的方法。在气栓控制区，料斗中体均压力梯度有如下关系[（一dP／dz）]hplug=0．241pbmfg而且，散体颗粒平均质量流率可以用Beverloo方程来预测。在此基础上，讨论了料斗中体均压力梯度对散体颗粒通过孔口平均质量流率的影响，并给出预测平均质量流率的关联式。给出一种新的立管约束条件，即料斗阀的设计方法和操作范围。     

负压差立管插板阀调节颗粒质量流率的实验分析

在大型循环流化床装置上,通过改变负压差立管上的插板阀的开度,测定不同颗粒质量流率条件下插板阀上下的流态和脉动压力,以此分析插板阀对下料过程颗粒质量流率的调控机制。实验结果表明,对于立管的下料过程插板阀的开度存在一个临界开度,将插板阀的开度范围划分为非可控制区和可控制区。当插板阀的开度大于临界开度时,处于非可控制区,不能进行颗粒质量流率的调节,此时插板阀上下的流态一致,脉动压力曲线相似;当插板阀的开度小于临界开度时,处于可控制区,可以进行颗粒质量流率的调节,此时插板阀上的流态是移动床,阀下的流态是雨状下落流,上下的脉动压力曲线不同。     

Effects of Solids Concentration and Underflow Diameter on the Performance of a Newly Designed Hydrocyclone

Solid‐liquid and liquid‐liquid separations in a hydrocyclone are versatile and require low maintenance costs. The demand for process improvement and cost reduction has motivated numerous optimization studies. The performance of a newly designed hydrocyclone is evaluated. The proposed device was obtained by application of differential evolution techniques and is called optimized thickening hydrocyclone (OTH). The OTH provides promising results, leading simultaneously to low Euler numbers and high solids concentrations of the underflow streams. Compared to the conventional Rietema hydrocyclone, it shows higher efficiency and better thickening power. The effects of solids concentration and underflow diameter on the performance of the OTH are quantified and a design equation for this device is proposed.     

COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF PRESSURE-DROP BALANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF AN L-VALVE IN A CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED

Pressure-drop balance and L-valve performance in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) were investigated for variation in gas superficial velocity (U_g), secondary air fraction (SA), total solids inventory (I_s), and external aeration flow rate (Q_A), at ambient temperature. The study shows that the solids discharge rate of an L-valve (G_s) changes with the system control variables. Apparently, a wider range of G_s is achieved at increasing U_g, decreasing SA, increasing I_s, and increasing Q_A. The pressure-drop analysis indicates that these characteristics are directly governed by the loop pressure balance. Standpipe bottom pressure is found to be an important indicator of the operating status of the riser, standpipe, and L-valve. The experimental results confirm that an L-valve can be operated effectively by regulating the standpipe bottom pressure. The knowledge obtained from this study is essential for maintaining the performance of a CFB system for combustion operation, as well as for operating circulating fluidized beds on a practical scale.     

Reasonable Aeration Tap Setting of Burned Oil Sand Particles in Standpipe of a Fluidized Bed

A large scale cold model apparatus of CFB riser reactor was established according to the method of directly fluidized coking oil sand. By changing the position of aeration orifice and amount of aeration air, the solids flux was measured and the location of sensitive aeration orifice above a butterfly valve was fixed(50 mm above the valve). At last, the amount of aeration air for allocation(1~1.5 m3/h) was known and the distance between each pair of consecutive general aeration orifices(about 3 m). And a prediction equation for estimating the relation between the amount of aeration air and the solids flux was established based on experimental data and theoretical analysis, which was Q=6.17Ws0.8529(D/Do)2(L/Lo). The prediction was in good agreement with the experimental data. By using a multi-point pressure pulsation instrument to measure the pulsation at different altitudes of the standpipe, the pressure pulsation curves at different aeration orifices under different amounts of aeration air were drawn. By Fourier transformation, it was found that there was no obvious dominant frequency when oil sand flowed through the circulation standpipe, and each frequency seemed to make equal contribution to the pressure pulsation. The periodical concentration fluctuation of the particles did not exist in the circulating standpipe, and the pulsation intensity was small.     

不同充气条件下密相输运床返料系统气固流动数值模拟

采用计算颗粒流体力学对密相输运床返料系统内的气固流动行为进行了数值模拟,分析了曳力模型和颗粒最大堆积浓度等参数对模拟结果的影响,确定了合适的模型参数。通过对比3组工况的模拟结果,获得了与实验结果基本一致的立管压力分布和固体循环流率随充气条件的变化规律,并分析了立管内压力梯度分布、气体流动方向、颗粒浓度分布等。结果表明立管充气口处压力梯度绝对值为局部最大值;当立管充气口气量为零时,会使充气口上方一段距离的压力梯度绝对值较小;充气量增大到一定值时会在充气口附近形成明显的气泡。当缺少立管高位充气时,会导致立管下部区域形成大的压力梯度,增加颗粒下落阻力。充气松动颗粒的作用仅对充气口附近区域有一定影响,更大的作用是在立管内形成均匀的压力梯度分布,使立管内气固流动状态保持上下一致。在制定充气方案时,应根据固体循环流率确定立管压降,补充合适气体量以维持气体下行速度均衡,使得各段的平均压力梯度相同。     

循环流化床锅炉一体化外置式换热器

大型循环流化床锅炉广泛采用各种形式的外置式换热器。传统的换热器只能实现换热器（EHE）和返料机构（loop seal）之间的物料流量的调节,此时进入EHE的物料将会全部顺次流过各个换热仓室,很难对外置床中的各种受热面的传热量进行单独调节。本文首次提出了一种全新的非机械阀式外置式换热器布置方式,通过控制流入各个换热仓室的固体物料流量,从而达到对各换热仓室中布置的受热面的换热情况进行单独调节。同时把EHE和loop seal结合在一起,保证向炉膛的返料。文中对这种一体化外置式换热器及其返料机构中的物料流动特性进行了冷态试验研究。试验结果表明,这种外置式换热器有很好的物料分流和流量控制特性。可以通过调节运行参数和结构参数来控制两个换热室、EHE和loop seal以及两个返料口之间的物料流量和比例。同时还得到了物料在换热室的流动特性。通过对可见输送分离高度的测量,提出了分配室和换热室相对隔板高度的设计方法。     

The effect of shear on gravity thickening: Pilot scale modelling

Mathematical models are potentially a valuable tool for the prediction of continuous gravity thickener operation. However, experience shows that existing mathematical models underestimate dewatering in thickeners for flocculated feed materials when predictions are made of either the underflow solids concentration for a given solids feed flux density or the maximum solids feed flux density achievable for a minimum underflow solids concentration set point. One reason postulated for this discrepancy is shear enhancement of sedimentation and bed dewatering as a result of aggregate densification. This process is not taken into account in conventional 1-D thickener models. A pilot scale column, operated at low bed heights without the addition of mechanical shear, produced results that compared well with 1-D model predictions. The effect of mechanical shear and/or greater bed height was to significantly enhance thickener performance relative to model predictions (as measured by underflow density or maximum solids flux density achievable for a nominated underflow density). An experimental method was developed that enabled shear to be incorporated into the suspension dewatering characterisation. The results suggest an order of magnitude increase in solid flux density can be expected under controlled shear conditions with polymer flocculated aggregates. The results also indicate that mechanical shear is not the only factor that can enhance dewatering, since higher beds, and hence longer residence times, also improve the achievable solids flux density. This is despite the fact that the thickener is operating in a regime that is predicted to be limited by the sediment permeability and not its compressibility. This suggests an additional mechanism must be at play in full scale operation and points a direction for further experimentation.     

垂直立管中催化剂流动特性的实验研究

对垂直立管中催化剂的流动性能进行了实验研究,测定了各种操作条件下立管中的轴向压力分布、催化剂循环速率以及附加吹气的影响. 实验结果表明,立管中的气固流动存在分别处于负压差下移下流区的"脱气段"和处于正压差下移下流区的"持气段"两种流动状态;下料阀开度对固体循环流率有明显的约束作用,且使"持气段"总压降增加较"脱气段"更为明显;对立管引入附加吹气有明显的增压作用,并使立管的压力分布有较大的改变. 根据实验结果及分析,对垂直立管的管形设计和催化剂在垂直立管中的密相输送提出了分析与建议.