A device for measuring solids flowrate in a circulating fluidized bed

The on-line measurement of solids flowrate is important to numerous industr ial processes. This paper considers a variation of impact-type solids flow meters suitable for use in numerous applications, including circulating flu idized beds (CFBs). The solids flowrate meter introduced herein is on-line, capable of operation in high temperature environments, and useful for a br oad range of flowrates with good linearity, accuracy and fast response time . The flow meter works by measuring the torque that results on a hinged pla te when falling solids impact the plate. A theoretical model of the device is developed and its results are compared to experimental data for the oper ation with various solids. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.