Batchwise fluidized-bed calcination and sulfation of a limestone were done to investigate particle comminution phenomena and their relation with parallel occurrence of reactions. Operating conditions of the bed were those typical of atmospheric bubbling fluidized-bed combustors. A general framework of comminution phenomena is outlined, which includes different types of fragmentations as well as attrition by abrasion. Comminution processes were characterized by following the modifications of bed sorbent particle-size distribution and the elutriation rates of fines throughout conversion. Mutual interactions between comminution processes and the progress of chemical reactions are assessed

The fluidized bed combustion of char from three different biomass fuels, pine seed shells, olive husk, and wood chips, was investigated in a bench scale combustor. A combination of experimental techniques was used to characterize the relevance of attrition phenomena during the combustion of the chars and their impact on the fuel particle size distribution and overall carbon conversion. Results showed that, depending upon the biomass, extensive primary and secondary fragmentation could be experienced by the char particles, significantly influencing the particle size distribution of the fuel in the bed. This is the result of the mechanical properties of the raw fuel particles and the large porosity of the char after devolatilization. Char conversion closely followed the shrinking-particle constant-density model and occurred to a large extent via the generation of carbon fines by percolative fragmentation followed by postcombustion during their residence time in the bed. Approximately 25-45% of the initial fixed carbon followed this pathway, with the remainder being directly burnt as coarse char. This resulted in an enhancement of the combustion rate of the char particles. The significance of the particle shape was also highlighted in the evaluation of the particle-exposed surface. Finally, indications were given on how to account for attrition phenomena in a simplified population balance on biomass char.

The present study addresses limestone attrition and fragmentation associated with impact loading, a process which may occur extensively in various regions of fluidized bed (FB) combustors/gasifiers, primarily the jetting region of the bottom bed, the exit region of the riser, and the cyclone. An experimental protocol for the characterization of the propensity of limestone to undergo attrition/fragmentation by impact loading is reported. The application of the protocol is demonstrated with reference to an Italian limestone whose primary fragmentation and attrition by surface wear have already been characterized in previous studies. The experimental procedure is based on the characterization of the amount and particle size distribution of the debris generated upon the impact of samples of sorbent particles against a target. Experiments were carried out at a range of particle impact velocities between 10 and 45 m/s, consistent with jet velocities corresponding to typical pressure drops across FB gas distributors. The protocol has been applied to either raw or preprocessed limestone samples. In particular, the effect of calcination, sulfation, and calcination/recarbonation cycles on the impact damage suffered by sorbent particles has been assessed. The measurement of particle voidage and pore size distribution by mercury intrusion was also accomplished to correlate fragmentation with the structural properties of the sorbent samples. Fragmentation by impact loading of the limestone is significant. Lime displays the largest propensity to undergo impact damage, followed by the sorbent sulfated to exhaustion, the recarbonated sorbent, and the raw limestone. Fragmentation of the raw limestone and of the sulfated lime follows a pattern typical of the failure of brittle materials. The fragmentation behavior of lime and recarbonated lime better conforms to a disintegration failure mode, with an extensive generation of very fine fragments.

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