Granular flow in a rotating cone partly submerged in a fluidized bed

When a rotating cone with supply openings near the bottom is partly inserte d into a fluidized bed, solid particles are taken up and conveyed spirally over the inner surface. This principle for particle transport was used in a novel reactor for the flash pyrolysis of biomass with several distinct adv antages. Particle velocities (up to 5 m/s) were measured, as well as rite s olids flow rate (up to 1.6 kg/s), as a function of the cone rotational velo city cone size and cone top angle, the fluidization velocity: and the depth of the cone in the fluidized bed. Three hydrodynamic regimes were recogniz ed, each with its own, specific flow characteristics influencing the partic le residence time (distribution) on the cone wall and the solids flow rate. The transition between the regimes could be predicted using a for ce balan ce for a single particle. The particle velocity, and residence time were mo deled successfully for one of the regimes.