Devolatilization of large coal particles in fluidized beds

Analysis of devolatilization of predried large coal particles in fluidized beds requires consideration of both the chemical kinetics of coal decomposition and transport processes. Models available either assume the devolatilization particle to be isothermal (whereas it may be shown that, in general, large temperature gradients may exist within the particle) or require extensive numerical integration procedures. This Paper describes a model which permits formulation of analytical and easy-to-use equations for the estimation of the devolatilization history of a large predried coal particle in a fluidized bed. The model predictions are compared with experimental data collected for Mississippi lignite. A correlation is proposed for the estimation of the total devolatilization time. The analytical solutions presented may be used with ease in coupling the devolatilization process to the other phenomena, such as drying and/or combustion of volatiles and residual char, occuring during fluidized bed combustion of coal.