Vol. 24, No. 2 (2025), Sim25480 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/Sim25480

Numerical analysis of ilmenite particle diameter on thermal and fluid dynamic behavior in a chemical looping combustion system

 

Authors

F. A. Ocampo-Vaca, C. A. Hernández-Bocanegra, R. Maya-Yescas, J. A. Ramos-Banderas

Abstract

This study utilized numerical simulation to analyze the effect of particle diameter on the fluid dynamics within a chemical looping combustion (CLC) system consisting of two interconnected fluidized bed reactors. The non-isothermal multiphase Eulerian model was employed to simulate ilmenite particles as the granular phase in the CLC system, aiming to investigate the impact of particle diameters of 80 µm, 120 µm, 150 µm, 180 µm, 220 µm, and 270 µm on their distribution within the reactor system. The results demonstrated that particle diameter is a critical variable, significantly influencing their distribution. For particles measuring 80 µm and 120 µm, the drag force generated by the airflow predominates, resulting in complete entrainment of the granular phase in the air reactor. In the cases of particles with diameters between 150 µm and 180 µm, the drag force is counterbalanced by gravitational force and for particles with diameters of 220 µm and larger gravitational force exceeds drag force for particles with diameters of 220 µm and larger, rendering them unsuitable for use within this system. Finally, regarding temperature the results showed less cooling of the system when 150 µm particles were used.

Keywords

Chemical looping combustion, CO2 emissions, particle flow, numerical simulation.

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