Particle size and density changes during fluidized‐bed combustion

Abstract

Abstract Experiments have been performed which demonstrate that petroleum coke particles (initial diameters between 7 and 13 mm) and brown coal char (initial diameter between 3.5 and 6.4 mm) burn in a manner close to that of an ideal shrinking sphere. These observations confirm the previously assumed mode of burning for particles in fluidized‐bed combustors. Analysis of the data for petroleum coke indicates that pore diffusion may become increasingly significant for particles less than 5 mm in diameter. The method of data presentation provides a sensitive means of demonstrating the effect of particle attrition.