The application of confined fluidization in energy conversion

Research Project, 2019 – 2023

The topic of this project is a phenomenon referred to as confined fluidization, which occurs when a packing material (e.g. spheres, tubes) of much larger size than the bed particles is introduced to a fluidized bed. Packing material with higher density than the emulsion phase will sink and form a stacked lattice from the bottom of the bed and upwards, with fluidization occurring in the packing voids. In contrast, packing material with lower density than the emulsion phase will form a floating plug on top of the fluidized bed. The aim is to improve general understanding of confined fluidization and to examine the potential value of the concept for current and future energy technologies. Preliminary work show a dramatic increase in mass transfer coefficient and gas-solid contact compared to ordinary fluidization, likely an effect of bubble growth inhibition. The project focus is on experimental work and applications related to biomass utilization and CO2 capture.