The characteristics of heat transfer were studied in both a gas-solids conc
urrent downflow fluidized bed (downer) and a gas-solids concurrent upflow f
luidized bed (riser) with FCC particles. The radial and axial distribution
profiles of the heat transfer coefficient between a suspended surface and t
he gas-solids flow suspension were obtained using a miniature heat transfer
probe, under different operating conditions. Comprising the results of the
heat transfer in the downer and the riser shows that there exists some sig
nificant distinction between the heat transfer processes in the two reactor
s. The characteristics of heat transfer in both cases are closely related t
o their hydrodynamics and the distinct flow structures determinate the diff
erent heat transfer behaviors. The results also indicate that the operating
conditions present some different effects in the two beds.