Parametric performance studies on fluidized-bed heat exchangers

The performance of single and multistage shallow fluidized beds is investigated for possible application to the recovery of heat from sources such as waste heat, and coal combustion or coal gasification. Tests are conducted to (1) investigate the effects of fouling due to liquid condensate in the gas stream on fluidized bed heat exchanger performance, (2) investigate the performance of fluidized beds which are staged using baffle plates, and (3) investigate the effects of different heat exchanger surface geometries. Work is progressing in selecting the conditions for that portion of the program involving fouling by a liquid condensate, and in modifying the fluidized bed heat exchanger facility for the fouling experiments. Preliminary tests were conducted with water vapor injection. Water vapor and glycerol vapor were chosen as the condensates. The results are summarized as follows: (1) heat exchanger performance is seriously degraded by condensation when the dew point temperature exceeds the heat exchanger wall temperature; and (2) the performance decrease occurs as a result of particle adherence to the heat exchanger surface and not as a result of particle agglomeration.