Three-Dimensional Full-Loop Hydrodynamic Simulation of a Circulating Fluidized-Bed Gasifier: A Quantitative Assessment of Drag Models

This article presents quantitative assessment of drag models based on their effect on hydrodynamics of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB). Three-dimensional full-loop computational fluid dynamics simulation using Euler granular multiphase model is carried out. Six drag models (EMMS, Gibilaro, Gidaspow, Schiller–Naumann, Syamlal–O’Brien and Wen–Yu) were employed, and simulated results of time-averaged solid volume fraction, solid axial velocity and static pressure are compared with the experimental data. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis is carried out using statistical parameters and parity plots. It was concluded that EMMS model is the most suitable model for simulation of a CFB as it is the only model capable of predicting heterogeneity of the bed, and simulation results agree well with the experimental data.