Experimental Study on Solid Discharge Rate from a Nonmechanical Solid Feeding System

A nonmechanical solid feeding device uses aeration gas in combination with its geometrical shape to cause particulate solids to flow through it. Serious erosion of moving parts, high solid flow rate requirement, and high operating temperature preclude the use of mechanical solid feeders. A nonmechanical solid feeding system was designed and developed in the Chemical Engineering Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre for continuous solid addition to the fluidized bed. The controlled continuous solid addition fulfills various purposes – maintain proper particle size distribution inside fluidized bed, provide make up for entrained solids, and supply solid reactant where solids are consumed in reaction. A solid circulation vessel which works on the principle of compartmented fluidized bed was the heart of this solid feeding system. It consists of two compartments (main and riser), and the compartments were connected through an orifice. Solid discharge rate from solid circulation vessel was regulated by adj...