Computational modeling of fluidized bed behavior with agglomerates

Fluidized bed reactors can be used for biomass gasification. The product from biomass gasification is syngas, which can be used for production of bio oil. The main challenge when using fluidized bed for gasification is ash melting and agglomeration of the bed material. Agglomeration of the bed material influences on the flow behavior in the fluidized bed reactor and thus affects the gasification efficiency. A Computational Particle Fluid Dynamic (CPFD) model is developed to predict the flow behavior in a fluidized bed gasifier. The CPFD model was validated against experimental data from a cold fluidized bed. The model was then tested against the results from a biomass gasifier, and a few modifications were needed. Glickman’s scaling parameters were used to scale up from a lab-scale to a full-scale gasifier. Simulations using the modified model were performed to study the flow behavior in a full-scale gasifier with agglomerates. It was found that the CPFD model is capable of predicting the effect of agglomerates on flow behavior in a fluidized bed gasifier