Kinetics of particle growth in a fluidized calciner

This study of the factors underlying the mechanisms of particle growth in a fluidized calciner was conducted in a 3‐in. diameter column. In such a calciner radioactive waste liquor from nuclear fuel reprocessing can be converted to a granular solid for disposal. To simulate the octual waste, aluminum oxide as bed material and aqueous aluminum nitrate solution as feed were used. Particle growth was traced through the addition of radiactive seeds. The effects on the growth rate of operating variables and physical properties of the feed were investigated. Statistical analysis of the data substantiated the proposed growth mechanism, and the resulting growth coefficient was correlated with the variables studied.