(686e) High Pressure Fluidized Bed Reactors

The use of high pressure circulating fluidized bed (HPCFB) reactors has recently emerged as a promising technology in chemical conversions, particularly for sustainable fuel and chemical processes. These reactors have several advantages over conventional reactors, including higher rates of heat and mass transfer, improved mixing of reactants, and the ability to recycle catalysts with high recirculating solid flow rates for heat recovery. HPCFBs are particularly suitable for high-temperature, high-pressure processes such as gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrotreating.

At SwRI, we have developed HPCFBs and the supporting infrastructure for practical applications, ranging from small-scale laboratory experiments to larger pilot-scale HPCFBs. These reactors can efficiently convert both renewable and petrochemical feedstocks into valuable end products. Additionally, HPCFBs can utilize, capture and recycle CO2, leading to fewer undesirable side reactions and pollutants.

Our ongoing work on refining processes primarily focuses on the gasification and pyrolysis of biomass, biogenic oils, plastics, and municipal waste streams into hydrogen and value-added carbon product fractions that are integrated with carbon capture and use. We have overcome several limitations, such as reactor design, fluidization efficiencies, and regenerative circulation, through several years of applied research. We are also currently researching the use of HPCFBs for simultaneous cracking and hydrotreating of various feedstocks into high-demand fuels.

Our goal at SwRI is to advance HPCFB technologies through fundamental research, process development, and industrial realization, with the aim of promoting a sustainable energy and material economy. Through numerous and diverse projects completed over several decades, we are constantly striving to achieve this goal. This presentation will provide an overview of the various uses and advancements in HPCFB for low-carbon fuel and chemical production.