Agglomeration of biomass fired fluidized bed gasifier and combustor

Abstract

Abstract Agglomeration is a major problem in biomass fired fluidized bed combustors and gasifiers. Mechanism, reduction options and detection techniques of agglomeration are reviewed. Agglomeration may be classified broadly into three types: defluidization induced agglomeration, melt‐induced agglomeration and coating‐induced agglomeration. Sodium and potassium content of the biomass are the major contributors to the agglomeration in biomass fired fluidized beds. Higher temperature, lower fluidizing velocity and coarser bed particles also increase the risk of agglomeration. Alternative bed materials, additives or the co‐combustion of biomass with other fuels can reduce agglomeration potential of a fluidized bed. Two agglomeration detection techniques are discussed: controlled fluidized bed agglomeration and early agglomeration recognition system.