Effects of Particle Shape and Size Distribution on Sorption and Flow Performance in Electrically Stabilized Expanded Beds

Abstract

Use of the electrically stabilized expanded bed is an approach to the improvement of the performance of processes in beds of solid sorbents. Particle motion in a fluidized bed of nonconducting particles such as molecular sieves is halted when the bed is “frozen” by a strong electric field imposed across the bed. This allows sorption performance to approach that of fixed beds while maintaining the low pressure drops which—are characteristic of fluidized beds. Beds with axial and radial electrode geometries function equally well in the sorption of carbon dioxide (C0₂2) from nitrogen (N₂). The effects of particle shape and particle size distribution on bed stabilization are presented. Particle shape was varied from spherical to the irregular forms that are characteristic of crushed particles. The sorption performance was not appreciably different with particles having various shapes.