An analysis of loop seal operations in a circulating fluidized bed

The operation of a loop seal in a circulating fluidized bed is studied on t he basis of pressure balance of the circulation loop. The sharp-crested the ory of free surface flow is applied to analyze the solids flow rate through a loop seal. Factors, which influence the solids flow rate through the loo p seal, include loop seal air velocity, initial bed inventory, standpipe si ze, loop seal slit size and particle size. The solids flow could occur only between two limiting values of each of those parameters. The analysis also presented pressure distributions along the loop for different circulation rates. Results from above theoretical analyses were compared with experimen tal results. A good agreement between the results confirmed the validity of the present analysis.