Internal Circulation Fluidized Bed (ICFB) Combustion System and Method of Operation Thereof

A fluidized bed combustion system (10) particularly suited for use to effect the incineration, i.e., combustion, therewith of wood waste/sludge mixtures that have high moisture and ash content which makes them difficult to burn. The fluidized bed combustion system (10) includes a fluidized bed combustor (12) embodying a fluidized bed (24) composed of bed solids. Air is injected into the fluidized bed (24) through an air distributor (28) to establish a first controlled fluidizing velocity zone and a second controlled fluidizing velocity zone therewithin. Material (42b) is introduced into the fluidized b ed combustor (12) above the second controlled fluidizing velocity zone. Bed solids are projected from the first controlled fluidizing velocity zone to t he second controlled fluidizing velocity zone whereupon the bed solids rain down upon the material (42b) and effect a covering thereof. The material (42b) is then dried and thereafter combusted. Inerts/tramp materials/clinker s as well as large diameter solids entrained with the material (42b) are segregat ed therefrom and then are removed (14,200) from the fluidized bed combustor (12).