Bed expansion and attrition studies in a coal-fired fluidized bed

A quantitative definition of bed-expansion and sorbent dynamics in a pressurized fluidized bed under various flow conditions is correlated with a comprehensive understanding of the fluid mechanics, heat transfer and absorption processes occurring. Detailed studies of the fluid mechanics within a fluidized bed of large particles (on the order of 2mm mean decimeter) at high operating pressures are scarce. A detailed knowledge of bed expansion and particle attrition though, is related to design for optimum performance. The present paper reports on such studies presently being performed at New York University in a one foot diameter pressurized fluidized bed. 19 refs.