Statistical modeling and optimization of a multistage gas-solid fluidized bed for removing pollutants from flue gases

The present paper describes the statistical modeling and optimization of a multistage gas solid fluidized bed reactor for the control of hazardous pollutants in flue gas. In this work, we study the hydrodynamics of the pressure drop and minimum fluidization velocity. The hydrodynamics of a three-stage fluidized bed are then compared with those for a single-stage unit. It is observed that the total pressure drop over all stages of the three-stage fluidized bed is less than that of an identical single-stage system. However, the minimum fluidization velocity is higher in the single-stage unit. Under identical conditions, the minimum fluidization velocity is highest in the top bed, and lowest in the bottom bed. This signifies that the behavior of solids changes from a well-mixed flow to a plug-flow, with intermediate behavior in the middle bed. (C) 2014 Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.