Effects of particle properties on flow structure in a 2-D circulating fluidized bed: Solids concentration distribution and flow development

The effects of particle properties (particle density, size and sphericity) on solids concentration in a 2-D riser were comprehensively investigated by measuring the axial and lateral solids concentration with an optical fiber probe. In this study, solids concentration of different types of particles shows that heavier particles have higher solids concentration laterally and axially than lighter particles; larger particles result in more compact solids distribution and such size effect is more evident at the riser bottom; more spherical particles lead to higher solids concentration. Various forces acting on particles and the change in the slip velocity between gas and particles were used to explain the effects of particle properties on solids distribution.

► In this study, we investigated the effect of particle size, density and sphericity on the solids concentration in a CFB riser.
► It is the first time to study the particle properties comprehensively and systematically.
► Extensive tests were conducted.
► The results are valuable for the CFB modeling and operating.