Particle spout heat exchanger system development. Phase I report, September 1, 1984-May 1, 1985

Industrial processes such as glass melting, aluminum remelt, and steel soaking produce high temperature corrosive/fouling exhaust gases. Recovering the thermal energy contained in these exhaust gases presents a technical challenge. One way is through the use of a particle spout heat exchanger. The particles are spouted in a cylindrical vessel that transports the hot exhaust gas and are heated as they flow through the gas. The particles are then transported and spouted in a second vessel that transports combustion air. The combustion air is then heated as the particles flow through the vessel. The particles are then recirculated to the exhaust gas vessel. This report summarizes the work conducted to determine if the particle spout heat exchanger concept is feasible. The results of this study show the concept is both technically and economically feasible. A summary of the required development work is also given.