CFD-DEM Simulation of Particle Fluidization Behavior and Glycerol Gasification in a Supercritical Water Fluidized Bed

Abstract

In this study, a mathematical model of hydrogen production from glycerol gasification in supercritical water was established based on the CFD-DEM method. The fluidization process of a supercritical water fluidized bed and the effects of bed height and feed structure on particle distribution and residence time of feedstock were analyzed. Additionally, the temperature field in the fluidized bed, the reaction rate distribution of each reaction and the influence of wall temperature on gas yields were also studied. The simulation results show that the bubble channel is easy to form along the wall at one side of the feed inlet. When the initial bed height is high, and the double symmetric feed inlet structure is used, the residence time of the feedstock is prolonged. The pyrolysis of glycerol mainly occurs in the middle and lower part of the fluidized bed reactor, and the reaction rate of the water gas shift reaction and methanation reaction are highest near the outlet, and a high wall temperature is conducive to the glycerol gasification.