(117o) Operation and Characerization of a Cold Flow Model Circulating Fluidized Bed Gasifier

Throughout recent years, the continue rise of fossil fuel based energy sources coupled with increasingly stringent environmental regulations has led to a higher demand for renewable, environmentally friendly alternative energies. Biomass gasification has proven to be a feasible technology for the production of electricity, as well as a platform for the synthesis of specialty chemicals and liquid fuels. The literature has shown that fluidized bed gasifiers are the best suited type of gasifiers for commercial scale gasification. Circulating fluidized bed gasifiers, while more costly and complex than bubbling fluidized bed gasifiers, are perhaps the most efficient type of gasifier due to their versatility, high heat and mass transfer rates, etc. This poster describes the operation of a cold flow model circulating fluidized bed gasifier constructed of clear PVC pipe. The riser stands 12 feet tall, with a 2 inch ID. The effects of the riser superficial velocity on the solids circulation rate, solids void faction, particle velocity, and riser flow regimes are examined.