Effect of Nozzle Geometry on Jet Bed Interaction: Experiments with Commercial Scale Nozzles and Eroded Nozzles

Liquid injection into fluidized bed reactors has several industrial applications, such as Fluid Catalytic Cracking, Gas Phase Polyethylene production, and Fluid Coking. High quality liquid distribution is essential to maximize the yield of desirable products, and minimize agglomeration. The objectives of this thesis are: to develop a method that measures the rate of liquid released from agglomerates formed as a result of liquid injection into a fluidized bed; to use this method to determine the effect of internal erosion on nozzle performance; and to compare the performance of current commercial spray nozzles to nozzles with altered geometries. To achieve these objectives, gas-atomized liquid sprays were produced inside a large scale fluidized bed using commercial scale nozzles. Liquid distribution was monitored by measuring the conductance of the fluidized bed. Results indicate that the altered geometry caused by erosion may enhance liquid distribution among the fluidized bed particles and increase the rate of moisture released from these agglomerates