Gas-Solids Flow Behavior from X-ray Computed Tomography and Pressure Fluctuation Measurements in Various Fluidized Bed Systems

B. Wu1,2, G. Yu2, C. Bellehumeur2 and A. Kantzas1,2

1Tomographic Imaging and Porous Media Laboratory

2Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4 T: +1-403-220-8907; F: +1-403-282-5060; Email: akantzas@ucalgary.ca

ABSTRACT

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) was used to visualize the bubbling behavior of the polyethylene powder in Plexiglas columns with diameter of 10cm, 20cm, and 30cm and column height of 100cm. CT images at different bed heights were obtained over a broad range of gas (air) velocities under ambient conditions. Based on the processed images, the cross-sectional average voidage distribution and annular average voidage along radial varying with the bed heights and the superficial velocities were extracted. Results from CT images were generally consistent with those from pressure fluctuation measurements along the column wall. This ensures the possibility of monitoring fluidization state in fluidized bed reactors.

Keywords X-ray CT; fluidized bed; pressure fluctuation; voidage