Capturing the instantaneous flow structure in gas-solid circulating fluidized bed using high-speed imaging and fiber optic sensing

Xiaoyang Wei, J. Zhu

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Knowing the instantaneous flow structure in a gas-solid circulating fluidized bed (CFB) is extremely crucial for the understanding of fast fluidization and the development of numerical models. Up to now, numerous studies have been reported on the instantaneous flow structure, but essential information, such as phase classification, solids holdup mapping, macro-scale fluctuation and much more, remains insufficient for a thorough understanding. In this work, the instantaneous flow structure was captured in large-scale CFBs using high-speed imaging and fiber optic sensing. The instantaneous solids holdup mapping across the riser is first computed from images with a verified calibration between solids holdup and grayscale. Based on the solids holdup characteristics, the gas-solid flow in a CFB riser is classified into distinctive phases. Macroscopically, there is a trough phase having continuous low solids holdup and a crest phase having continuous high solids holdup, causing the mean solids holdup across the riser to fluctuate significantly. Within the trough phase, there are trough clusters (particle aggregations) surrounded by dispersed particles (dilute atmosphere). Within the crest phase, there are crest clusters (particle aggregations) surrounded by coalesced particles (dense atmosphere). The above flow structure is further verified with the instantaneous solids holdup obtained using fiber optic sensing in terms of solids holdup characteristics and phase dimensions. Collectively, this study deepens the understanding of fast fluidization, prepares for further phase characterization, and contributes to the development of numerical modeling.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)713-724
Number of pages12
JournalChemical Engineering Science
Volume207
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Nov 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aggregation
  • Fiber optic sensing
  • Gas-solid circulating fluidized bed
  • High-speed imaging
  • Instantaneous flow structure
  • Macro-fluctuation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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