A Simple Sampling Method for the Reaction History in Fluidized or Transport Reactors

Abstract

A sampling technique has been developed to store the reaction history in fluidized- or moving-bed reactors. A sampling tube placed in the reactor that collects solid pellets can be analyzed to determine solid conversion, catalyst deactivation, structural changes, etc., along the tube; this information is translated into reactor history through the rate of solids collection. Use of this technique can significantly reduce the number of samples required. The concept was tested for the room-temperature drying of solid pellets, an air-fluidized ion-exchange bed, and liquid−solid and air−solid fluidized-bed operations. The theoretical and experimental results verified the idea. This technique could find application in a variety of areas, including waste treatment, metallurgy, energy production, petrochemical processes, surface treatment of medical tablets, production of carbon nanotubes, etc.