Numerical simulations of gas-solid flow in tapered risers

Hydrodynamic behavior of gas-solid flow in tapered risers was simulated using the two-fluid model based on the kinetic theory of granular flow representing the constitutive relations of the solid phase. Present numerical model was verified by comparing with experimentally measured solid mass fluxes, particle concentrations and velocities in column risers. Computed results showed that the core-annular flow structure existing in the column riser may disappear in the tapered risers. The distributions of particle concentration tend to be more uniform in the tapered riser than that in the column riser under the same operating conditions. The uniform particle distribution can be achieved by changing the inclined angle of the tapered riser under specific operating conditions.     

EFFECTS OF SECONDARY AIR INJECTION ON GAS-SOLID FLOW BEHAVIOR IN CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BEDS

Effects of secondary air injection on the hydrodynamics such as solid holdup and gas-solid flow behavior were investigated in a circulating fluidized bed. The gas velocity in the riser, the ratio of secondary air velocity to that of primary air, and the solid circulating rate were chosen as operating variables. Fluid cracking catalyst(FCC) with a density of 1840 kg/m³ and a mean diameter of 74 um was employed as the solid phase. The secondary air was fed to the riser radially or tangentially at the wall of the column. Pressure drop fluctuations in the riser were measured and analyzed by adopting the stochastic method to characterize the effects of secondary air injection on the gas-solid flow behavior in the bed.

It has been found that the injection of secondary air into the riser can increase the solid holdup in the riser considerably, and that the tangential injection of secondary air is more effective for the increasing the solid holdup than the radial injection. However, the gas-solid flow behavior has been found to become less persistent with the injection of secondary air; the resultant flow behavior is more complex when the air is injected tangentially than radially. The solid holdups in the primary as well as secondary zones of the riser have been well correlated in terms of not only operating variables but also fractal dimension of the pressure fluctuations.     

EFFECTS OF SECONDARY AIR INJECTION ON GAS-SOLID FLOW BEHAVIOR IN CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BEDS

Effects of secondary air injection on the hydrodynamics such as solid holdup and gas-solid flow behavior were investigated in a circulating fluidized bed. The gas velocity in the riser, the ratio of secondary air velocity to that of primary air, and the solid circulating rate were chosen as operating variables. Fluid cracking catalyst(FCC) with a density of 1840 kg/m³ and a mean diameter of 74 um was employed as the solid phase. The secondary air was fed to the riser radially or tangentially at the wall of the column. Pressure drop fluctuations in the riser were measured and analyzed by adopting the stochastic method to characterize the effects of secondary air injection on the gas-solid flow behavior in the bed.

It has been found that the injection of secondary air into the riser can increase the solid holdup in the riser considerably, and that the tangential injection of secondary air is more effective for the increasing the solid holdup than the radial injection. However, the gas-solid flow behavior has been found to become less persistent with the injection of secondary air; the resultant flow behavior is more complex when the air is injected tangentially than radially. The solid holdups in the primary as well as secondary zones of the riser have been well correlated in terms of not only operating variables but also fractal dimension of the pressure fluctuations.     

16m高气固提升管中的压力梯度与流动行为研究

在较宽操作条件范围对16m高提升管中气－固两相流（空气－FCC颗粒）的压力梯度进行了实验测试,进一步揭示了快速流态化和密相气力输送这两种流动形态的动力学特征及其与操作参数的关系。结果表明,在表观气速增大的过程中气固提升管中的轴向压力梯度并非总是不断趋于均匀分布;提升管高度对快速流态化到密相气力输送状态的过渡有重要影响,对于给定的表观气速,提升管高度增加将使过渡点所应的颗粒循环量和床层颗粒浓度都减小。本实验条件下所有过滤点对应的床层颗粒浓度较为一致,平均为0．0104,并由此得到过渡点操作参数Ug与Gs的关联式。本文研究表明,在以往工作基础上进一步研究提升管高度对流动行为的影响极有必要。     

An energy-based model of gas-solid transport in a riser

A simple and reliable method to estimate the solid holdup distribution and solid residence time in a gas-solid riser flow is essential to the optimum design and efficient operations of riser reactors. The traditional approach of equating the local solid holdup to the pressure drop in a riser overlooks the effects of solid acceleration and energy dissipation in the acceleration and dense phase transport regions. The energy dissipation in these regions is mainly due to the interfacial friction between interstitial gas and suspended solids, inter-solid collisions, as well as solid-wall fraction. Most momentum-based models fail to account for the energy dissipation of inter-solid collisions, and the models using the simple granular kinetic theory fail to account for the energy dissipation in micro-sliding or rolling from off-center inter-solid collisions. This paper presents an energy-based mechanistic model to analyze the partitions of the axial gradient of pressure by solid acceleration, collision-induced energy dissipation and solid holdup in gas-solid riser flows. Based on this model, more reasonable estimation of axial distributions of solid holdup and resulted solid velocity can be obtained. Our analysis shows that the effect of solid acceleration on the pressure drop can be significant in a range of moderate solid holdup (typically from 3.5% to 12% by solid volume fraction) whereas the effect of energy dissipation becomes important in the dense phase transport region (typically when the solid volume fraction above 5%). The exemplified results indicate that the traditional approach of equating the local solid holdup to the pressure drop overestimates the solid holdup by an error up to 50% in the acceleration and dense phase transport regions in typical gas-solid riser flow applications.     

A new correlation for predicting solids concentration in the fully developed zone of circulating fluidized bed risers

The present work focuses on developing a new comprehensive correlation for better prediction of the solids concentration in the fully developed region of co-current upward gas-solid flow in circulating fluidized bed (CFB) risers. Systematic experiments were carried out in two risers (15.1 m and 10.5 m high with the same 0.1 m i.d.) with FCC and sand particles. The results obtained from about 200 sets of operating conditions show that the average solids concentration in the fully developed region is more than just a function of the corresponding terminal solids concentration, as most previous correlations are based on. Operating conditions, particle properties and riser diameters also have significant effects on the solids concentrations in the fully developed region of CFB risers. Based on our experimental data and those reported in the open literature from CFB risers up to 0.4 m in diameter and 27 m in height with superficial gas velocities and solids circulation rates up to 11.5 m/s and 685 kg/m²·s, a new empirical correlation for predicting the average solids concentrations in the fully developed region of CFB risers is proposed. The correlation works well for a wide range of operating conditions, particle properties and riser diameters.     

Experimental study on the solid velocity in horizontal dilute phase pneumatic conveying of fine powders

The calculation reliability of pressure drop and gas-solid drag force in horizontal dilute phase pneumatic conveying strongly depends on the accuracy of gas-solid velocity correlation. However, there are limited studies on the solid velocity in horizontal dilute phase pneumatic conveying and it is important to further validate suitability of existing correlation of gas-solid velocity, especially for fine particles (such as pulverized coal). Consequently, in this paper, a negative pressure pneumatic conveying test rig is set up and two kinds of powders with different sizes are adopted. Optical fiber probe (OFP) was used to measure the volumetric solid concentration and particle velocity. The volumetric solid concentration was also calculated by using the measured particle velocity. The results show that the solid concentrations obtained by the two methods have good agreement, and discrepancy is within ± 20%. It was found the particle velocities are different in the upper and lower part of the cross-section in the horizontal pipe. However, the difference is generally no more than 2 m/s. The velocity difference will decrease with the increasing gas velocity, and increases with the solid mass flow rate. In the experimental condition of 0.06 mm < d_s < 0.35 mm, 1400 kg/m³ < ρ_s < 2600 kg/m³, the implicit correlation based on Yang's Unified Theory gives the best prediction of particle velocity among existing studies but still with noticeable discrepancy with the comparison of the present experimental data. By modifying the solid friction factor, an improved correlation of the particle velocity was obtained, which agrees better with the experimental data given in the present and literature studies.     

Two-dimensional transient numerical simulation of solids and gas flow in the riser section of a circulating fluidized bed

A computational fluid dynamics software (CFX) was modified for gas/particle flow systems and used to predict the flow parameters in the riser section of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB). Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) particles and air were used as the solids and gas phases, respectively. Two-dimensional, transient, isothermal flows were simulated for the continuous phase (air) and the dispersed phase (solid particles). Conservation equations of mass and momentum for each phase were solved using the finite volume numerical technique. Two-dimensional gas and particle flow profiles were obtained for the velocity, volume fraction, and pressure drop for each phase. Calculations showed that the inlet and exit conditions play a significant role in the overall mixing of the gas and particulate phases and in the establishment of the flow regime. The flow behavior was analyzed based on the different frequency of oscillations in the riser. Comparison of the calculated solids mass flux, solids density and pressure drop with the measured pilot-scale PSRI data (reported in this paper) showed a good agreement.     

气固循环流化床提升管环核区颗粒质量传递系数的估计

Based on analysis of energy dissipation in the core region of gas-solid fluidized bed risers,a simplified model for determination of core-annulus solids mass transfer coefficient was developed according to turbulent diffu- sion mechanism of particles.The simulation results are consistent with published experimental data.Core-annulus solids mass transfer coefficient decreases with increasing particle size,particle density and solids circulation rate, but generally increases with increasing superficial gas velocity and riser diameter.In the upper dilute region of gas-solid fiuidized bed risers,core-annulus solids mass transfer coefficient was found to change little with the axial coordinate in the bed.     

气固提升管内颗粒浓度的分布与计算

以实验数据为基础并结合文献研究结果,阐明提升管气固上行两相流颗粒浓度的轴向和径向分布特征,建立充分发展段气固两相流与管壁间摩擦压降的计算模型,改进由测试压力梯度计算颗粒浓度的准确性,并提出充分发展段截面平均颗粒浓度关联式和局部颗粒浓度径向分布关联式。     

TWO-DIMENSIONAL TRANSIENT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF SOLIDS AND GAS FLOW IN THE RISER SECTION OF A CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED

A computational fluid dynamics software (CFX) was modified for gas/particle flow systems and used to predict the flow parameters in the riser section of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB). Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) particles and air were used as the solids and gas phases, respectively. Two-dimensional, transient, isothermal flows were simulated for the continuous phase (air) and the dispersed phase (solid particles). Conservation equations of mass and momentum for each phase were solved using the finite volume numerical technique. Two-dimensional gas and particle flow profiles were obtained for the velocity, volume fraction, and pressure drop for each phase. Calculations showed that the inlet and exit conditions play a significant role in the overall mixing of the gas and particulate phases and in the establishment of the flow regime. The flow behavior was analyzed based on the different frequency of oscillations in the riser. Comparison of the calculated solids mass flux, solids density and pressure drop with the measured pilot-scale PSRI data (reported in this paper) showed a good agreement.     

基于连续方法的气固循环流化床全回路模拟及稳定性分析

相比对单个操作单元的模拟，气固循环流化床的全回路模拟能全面揭示各单元之间的联系、诊断操作突变等现象，对实际工业生产更具指导意义。本研究在连续介质模型结合颗粒动理论的框架下，对一套虚拟过程工程(VPE)的气固循环流化床装置进行了全回路模拟和稳定性分析。模拟发现了提升管中的颗粒浓度及压降发生大幅度的周期性震荡现象，两种完全不同的操作状态，即稀相输送和浓相输送，交替式地出现。为分析该现象产生的原因，考察了模型因素(主要是气固相间曳力)和操作因素(颗粒藏料量和提升管表观气速)对周期性震荡现象的影响。研究发现，将考虑非均匀结构影响的曳力替换成均匀曳力，仍不能消除周期震荡现象，其颗粒输送返回装置(Loop-seal)压头不足以保证颗粒从下降管平稳输送到提升管，而降低气速和增大藏料量都有利于颗粒循环输送的稳定性，防止“窜气”现象的发生。结合上述现象，进一步聚焦影响颗粒输送的关键点，即Loop-seal气动阀，采用引入虚拟阀门的方式提高Loop-seal输送管中的输送阻力，从而有效改进了全回路模拟的稳定性，其预测得到的提升管轴向压降分布与实验值基本吻合。     

提升管反应器介尺度结构影响规律的数值模拟研究

提升管反应器存在典型的颗粒聚团介尺度结构,其分布特性对气固流动、反应有重要影响,对介尺度结构影响规律进行分析有助于为反应器的设计与优化操作提供基础信息。采用基于能量最小多尺度（EMMS）方法的曳力模型建立了提升管气固两相流动模型,考虑了颗粒聚团对气固相间动量传递的影响。此外,进一步通过考虑颗粒聚团的存在以及颗粒聚团的非均匀性对化学反应的影响,提出了描述介尺度结构对反应速率影响的修正因子,与气固流动模型进行耦合,建立了基于介尺度结构的流动-反应综合数学模型,并进行了模型验证。进一步应用该模型,对工业催化裂化提升管反应器的流动-反应特性进行了模拟分析。结果表明,该模型可以合理描述提升管气固相互作用,能够预测出壁面附近存在较多介尺度结构的分布特性,由于聚团的存在使得重油组分难以与催化剂充分接触,生成汽柴油的反应速率较低,转化较慢,聚团的分布特性导致靠近边壁处的重油组分浓度较高,汽柴油组分浓度较低;汽柴油在聚团内部的流动阻力较大,在聚团内发生过量的二次反应生成较多焦炭,导致壁面处焦炭浓度较高。与传统基于平均化而未考虑聚团影响的模型相比,基于介尺度结构的模型所预测的汽油收率最佳值与工业实际相接近。因此,基于介尺度结构的流动-反应综合数学模型可以合理描述提升管内进行的流动-反应耦合特性,并能揭示介尺度结构对催化裂化反应过程的影响,有望为工业提升管装置反应终止剂技术的开发提供重要的基础信息。     

Computational fluid dynamics of a circulating fluidized bed under various fluidization conditions

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to simulate the hydrodynamics of gas-solid flow in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) riser at various fluidization conditions using the Eulerian-Granular multiphase model. The model was evaluated comprehensively by comparing its predictions with experimental results reported for a CFB riser operating at various solid mass fluxes and superficial gas velocities. The model was capable of predicting the main features of the complex gas-solids flow, including the cluster formation of the solid phase along the walls, for different operating conditions. The model also predicted the coexistence of up-flow in the lower regions and downward flow in the upper regions at the wall of the riser for high gas velocity and solid mass flux, as reported in the literature. The predicted solid volume fraction and axial particle velocity were in good agreement with the experimental data within the high density fast fluidization regime. However, the model showed some discrepancy in predicting the gas-solid flow behavior in the riser operating in dense suspension up-flow and low density fast fluidization regimes.     

Analysis of Regime Transitions and Flow Instabilities in Vertical Conveying of Coarse Particles Using Different Solids Feeding Systems

The transition between dense and dilute flow in vertical conveying of Geldart D particles were investigated for risers of different diameters using a spouted bed as a solid feeding system. The transition and choking velocities were identified by combining analyses of pressure gradient versus air velocity diagrams, pressure fluctuation signals and voidage values. Experimental data were used to evaluate the effect of particle and riser diameters on the pressure gradient, mean mixture voidage, the regime transition and choking velocities. The transition velocity from dilute to dense phase could be identified, as well as the onset of the choking condition, which appeared as the air velocity was further reduced. Data obtained in the same experimental apparatus facility using a screw conveyor and a gravitational system as solid feeding devices have been used as a reference to be compared to those obtained using the spouted bed feeder.     

水平管高浓度连续气力输送特征研究

通过测量水平管高混合比（47～200）连续气力输送中等粒径砂粒和钝化石灰粉料时管道沿程压力分布及稳定段固体颗粒平均浓度，分析了水平管加速段压降、稳定段压降和固体颗粒平均速度等高浓度低速气力输送特征，同时提出高浓度输送固体颗粒平均速度关联式     

Study of the pressure drop of dense phase gas-solid flow through nozzle

Pressure drops are measured on different nozzles of various pipe sizes in dense phase pulverized coal pneumatic conveying. From the experimental results, we conclude that the effect of the gas phase nozzle pressure drop is negligible when comparing with the solid phase pressure drop in the experimental range. The main influence factors contributing to the nozzle pressure drop are gas and solid mass flow rate, solids loading ratio, and the diameters of the nozzle inlet and outlet. A new model was developed to predict the nozzle pressure drop in dense phase pneumatic conveying of pulverized coal based on the Barth's pneumatic conveying theory. The pressure drop predictions from the model are in good agreement with the experimental values. The model quantified the important influence factors of the nozzle pressure drop.     

CFD SIMULATION OF THE GAS-SOLID FLOW IN THE RISER OF A CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED WITH SECONDARY AIR INJECTION

A comprehensive investigation was carried out to study hydrodynamics aspects of secondary air injection in circulating fluidized beds. This article presents modeling and results of computational fluid dynamics simulations of gas-solid flow in the riser section of a laboratory-scale (ID = 0.23 m, height = 7.6 m) circulating fluidized bed with a radial secondary air injector. The gas-solid flow model is based on the two-fluid (Eulerian-Eulerian) approach, where both gas and solids phases are treated as interpenetrating continua. A granular kinetic theory model is used to describe the solids phase stresses. The simulation results are compared with measured pressure drop and axial particle velocity profiles; reasonable agreement is obtained. Qualitatively, excellent agreement is obtained in predicting the increase in solids volume fraction below secondary air ports, the accumulation of solids around the center of the riser due to momentum of secondary air jets, and the absence of the solids down-flow near the wall above the secondary air injection ports, which are the prominent features of secondary air injection observed in the experiments.     

塔式化学链燃烧反应器系统的气固流动特性

目前,化学链燃烧技术主要局限于不充分的燃料转化和低效的碳捕集率。为了解决这一问题,本文提出了一种基于多腔室塔式鼓泡床的化学链燃烧反应器系统。该系统由塔式燃料反应器、空气反应器、旋风分离器、返料器、提升管和下降管组成循环回路。采用压力测量和气体检测的方法,基于冷态模型研究在不同风量下该系统内的压力分布、气固分布、固体循环量以及窜气规律等气固流动特性。结果表明：返料器可以弥补两个反应器间存在的压差,保持系统内的压力平衡;燃料反应器内流化数应控制在3.5~4.0之间,在保证反应器内气固均匀分布的同时,减弱隔板处的压力损失;固体循环量与提升管内压降成正比,最高可达0.013kg/s,主要影响因素为反应器内流化数;返料器至反应器的窜气率为4%~8%,而两个反应器间几乎没有气体窜混,这为热态反应器的设计与运行提供了良好的实验基础。     

CFD SIMULATION OF THE GAS-SOLID FLOW IN THE RISER OF A CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED WITH SECONDARY AIR INJECTION

A comprehensive investigation was carried out to study hydrodynamics aspects of secondary air injection in circulating fluidized beds. This article presents modeling and results of computational fluid dynamics simulations of gas-solid flow in the riser section of a laboratory-scale (ID = 0.23 m, height = 7.6 m) circulating fluidized bed with a radial secondary air injector. The gas-solid flow model is based on the two-fluid (Eulerian-Eulerian) approach, where both gas and solids phases are treated as interpenetrating continua. A granular kinetic theory model is used to describe the solids phase stresses. The simulation results are compared with measured pressure drop and axial particle velocity profiles; reasonable agreement is obtained. Qualitatively, excellent agreement is obtained in predicting the increase in solids volume fraction below secondary air ports, the accumulation of solids around the center of the riser due to momentum of secondary air jets, and the absence of the solids down-flow near the wall above the secondary air injection ports, which are the prominent features of secondary air injection observed in the experiments.