A new method for solids residence time distribution measurement in continuous fluidized beds

Accurate measurement of solids residence time distribution (RTD) is an important and challenging issue in developing fluidized bed reactors with continuous solids feeding and discharging. In this study, we proposed a new method for measuring solids residence time distribution, where coked bulk material was used for solids tracer and high-precision element analyzers were used to determine solids tracer fraction. A calibration procedure was established to achieve high-accuracy measurement of solids tracer fraction. The following validation tests had successfully proved the pseudo-CSTR solids flow pattern under different operating conditions and the staging effect of an inserted horizontal baffle in a small laboratory-scale fluidized bed cold model, which demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of this new solids RTD measurement method. [Display omitted] •A new solids RTD method was proposed for small-scale continuous fluidized beds•Excellent tracer followability and high-accuracy measurement of solids tracer fraction•A psudo-CSTR solids RTD curve has been proved in a bubbling fluidized bed•The staging effect of a horizontal baffle was also proved by this method.