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Conversion of Biomass and Waste Fuels in Fluidized-Bed Reactors

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Book cover Fluidized-Bed Reactors: Processes and Operating Conditions

Part of the book series: Particle Technology Series ((POTS,volume 26))

Abstract

Thermal conversion processes, namely combustion, gasification and pyrolysis are presented in this chapter. The conversion mechanisms that take place in fluidized-bed reactors are explained with emphasis on materials in-feeding, devolatilization and volatile conversion, char conversion and particle attrition and elutriation . A comparison between conventional and unconventional fuels is made, with particular focus on gasification of waste fuels for energy generation. The operating parameters in gasification processes are discussed, with reference to feeding (feeding methods, number of feeding points and solid fuel feed size), bed depth, bed temperature, fluidization velocity, equivalent ratio, and inerts content. To conclude, examples of current technologies which employ fluid-bed combustors, pyrolysers and gasifiers in operation in the UK and around the world are discussed. Advanced thermal processes such as fluid-bed plasma for waste gasification are also touched upon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK

    John G. Yates & Paola Lettieri

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  1. John G. Yates
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  2. Paola Lettieri
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Correspondence to John G. Yates .

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Yates, J.G., Lettieri, P. (2016). Conversion of Biomass and Waste Fuels in Fluidized-Bed Reactors. In: Fluidized-Bed Reactors: Processes and Operating Conditions. Particle Technology Series, vol 26. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39593-7_4

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