Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Bimodal Acoustic Agglomeration

Abstract

The interaction between fly ash particles (first mode) and sorbent particles (second mode) in coal combustion processes is studied under the influence of a low frequency, high intensity acoustic field. The effect of bimodal acoustic agglomeration is evaluated in a numerical sensitivity analysis on parameters such as residence time in the combustion chamber and mass loading of the particle modes. An Acoustic Agglomeration Simulation Model (AASM) developed by Song at the Pennsylvania State University is used for these numerical studies. Experimental examinations carried out in a down-fired combustor show evidence of bimodal agglomeration and enhanced particle interaction under the influence of a low frequency (44 Hz), high intensity (160 dB) sound field. The results of the experiments are compared to the equivalent numerical studies and good agreement can be shown between the two sets of data.