Catalytic pyrolysis of coal particles in a fluidized bed: Experiments and modeling

ABSTRACT

Coal as a form of fossil fuel may be utilized in two thermochemical techniques: directly by combustion of coal particles and indirectly by converting it into valuable products. In this research, a kinetic model of coal devolatilization has been developed based on the Arrhenius expression. To validate the model, an experimental study also has been performed in a drop-tube fluidized bed. There was reasonably good agreement between modeling data and experimental data obtained from single-tube fluidized bed. The effects of reaction temperature on the pyrolysis products and fuel conversion were studied. As a result, the maximum tar yield obtained was 28.3 (%) at 400° C. An increase in activation energy was led to a relative decrease in the fuel conversion maybe due to a decrease of heating rate.

KEYWORDS:

• Activation energy
• char
• devolatilization
• heating rate
• tar