Fluidized Bed Slide for Lateral Catalyst Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidized beds in FCC regenerators exhibit limited lateral mixing, leading to inefficiencies in combustion and increased NOx emissions due to stagnant zones and uneven temperature distributions, particularly at higher catalyst throughputs.
Innovation Solution
A slide apparatus, which can be in the form of a tube or trough, is introduced to transport particles from an upper zone to a lower zone at a different horizontal position, enhancing lateral mixing within the fluidized bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fluidized bed operation is used, then vertical mixing is maintained, but lateral mixing is insufficient leading to stagnant zones and uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces lateral mixing (horizontal dimension) to complement the existing vertical mixing (vertical dimension). By adding slides that transport particles laterally across the bed, the system transforms from one-dimensional vertical mixing to two-dimensional mixing, eliminating stagnant zones and improving temperature distribution uniformity while maintaining high catalyst throughput.
2Productivity
If catalyst throughput is increased, then productivity improves, but lateral mixing becomes even more insufficient exacerbating stagnant zones
Solution Approach 1:
The slide apparatus adds lateral particle transport capability that operates independently of throughput rate. Even at high catalyst throughput, the slides continuously redistribute particles horizontally, ensuring that increased flow rates do not exacerbate stagnant zone formation and temperature non-uniformity.
3Device complexity
If no lateral mixing device is added, then device complexity remains low, but combustion efficiency decreases due to stagnant zones
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is segmented into two independent systems: vertical mixing by fluidization and lateral mixing by slides. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific mixing function efficiently, with the slides providing targeted lateral redistribution without requiring complete redesign of the fluidization system, thus maintaining relatively simple overall structure while improving combustion efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The slide apparatus improves combustion efficiency by reducing stagnation and temperature differences, leading to more uniform oxygen distribution and reduced NOx emissions by promoting better mixing of spent and regenerated catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
A slide, which may be in the form of a tube or trough, transports particles from an upper zone downward to a lower zone at a different horizontal position
Implementation Method 2
Fluidized beds are used in many industrial applications. The spent catalyst is introduced into a fluidized bed at the base of the regenerator, and oxygen-containing combustion air is passed upwardly through the bed
Data Source
AI summary
Process for increasing mixing in a fluidized bed. A slide, which may be in the form of a tube or trough, transports particles from an upper zone downward to a lower zone at a different horizontal position, thereby changing the horizontal position of the particle and creating lateral mixing in the fluidized bed. Increased mixing may improve efficiency for an apparatus using a fluidized bed. For example, increased lateral mixing in a regenerator may increase temperature and oxygen mixing and reduce stagnation to improve efficiency. A slide may be relatively unobtrusive, inexpensive, and simple for a retrofit or design modification and may improve combustion efficiency at high rates by enhancing the lateral blending of spent and regenerated catalyst.