Solids circulation in a dual-spouted bed flow loop

Abstract An experimental facility was constructed to provide information on solids circulation between two spouted beds, as a cold model of a possible coal pyrolysis configuration. The loop consisted of two spouted beds, each of diameter 0.15 m, joined by a downcomer of variable length and variable angle, an L-valve, a horizontal section of variable length, a riser for upwards pneumatic conveying, and an overflow return line. Experiments were conducted with two different types of solids to determine the solids flow rate and the pressure drops through different sections of the loop as functions of the equipment and operating variables. The loop operated in a stable manner with no dead zones. Pressure drops were well predicted by a model which accounts for each component of the loop.