Fluidized Bed Reactors LEFBR-5410

Fluidized Bed Reactors LEFBR-5410 are used extensively in the chemical process industries. The distinguishing feature of a fluidized bed reactor is that the bed of solid particles or catalyst is fluidized by an upflow of gas. This reactor can be designed to accommodate easy loading and removal of catalyst. This is advantageous when the solids bed must be removed and replaced frequently. A high conversion with a large throughput is possible with this style of reactor. Such reactors can be configured to provide excellent heat transfer and gas/particle contact.

Fluidized beds have been significantly utilized in chemical processes, in which parameters such as diffusion or heat transfer are the major design parameters. Compared to a packed bed, a fluidized bed can enable better control of temperature, elimination of hot spots in the bed, uniform catalyst distribution and longer life of the catalyst. They are also used where a reactant or product is a bulk solid.

Nearly all significant commercial applications of fluidized bed technology concern gas-solid systems. Applications of fluidized bed reactors include but are not limited to gas-solid reactions, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons and related high molecular weight petroleum fractions. Gasification in a fluidized bed can be utilized to convert coal, biomass and other waste materials into synthesis gas.

Features:

• A gas handling and mixing sub-system used to blend, regulate, and pre-heat the flow of reactant gas to the bottom of the reactor.
• The lower portion of the fluidized bed reactor incorporates an easily replaced porous metal gas diffusion plate and the top of the reactor widens abruptly to form a disengaging zone for the fluidized bed. Separate heaters are provided for both the main reactor and disengaging zone.
• A moveable thermocouple in a thermowell is provided for monitoring the internal reactor temperature
• distribution.
• A heated cyclone separator or filter is provided immediately downstream of the reactor to capture the fines resulting from particle attrition.
• The reaction gases are then cooled by a condenser and collected in a product receiver.
• The system pressure can be maintained by an optional automated, dome-loaded, back pressure regulator.
• All system functions and parameters are monitored and maintained by a 4871 Process Controller.