Combustion of Gases and Vapours in Bubbling Fludized Beds

The combustion of gases and combustible vapours has been studied in a laboratory size quartz fluidized bed reactor. The fuel and air were premixed and burned in a bed of quartz sand, usually with oxygen in excess. The temperature of the reactor could be continuously varied between about 700 and 1050 C, independently of the gas composition. The bed temperature was monitored at two heights above the distributor and the off gases were continuously analysed for O2, CO2, CO, NO, NO2 and total unburned hydrocarbons. Acoustic and pressure signals were also registered and video records of the combustion process were obtained. The results can be interpreted in terms of the most probable chemical processes, taking place mostly in the bubble phase.