Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems in Coal Fluidized Bed Combustor

Abstract

Problem statement: This study designed the pneumatic and hydraulic systems in coal fluidized bed combustor. These are fluidization of silica sand bed material, Air distributor, centrifugal fan, electric motor power drive and surface heat exchanger. Approach: The effects of increased gas velocity on silica sand and the resultant drag force formed the basic equations in fluidization. Air distributor was introduced to achieve pressure drop across the beds. Results: The constructed centrifugal fan was driven by selected electric motor based on pressure and temperature changes in the reactor. The dimensions of the heat transfer tube were calculated from fluid flow and energy balance equations. The values obtained were as the follows: Fluidization velocity (1.54 m sec^-1), gas velocity through orifice (29.52 m sec^-1), the fan electric motor (2 KW, 3 ph at 1500 pm), the steam temperature obtained was 160°C from water ambient temperature of 30°C and tube length 22 m was coiled into levels in the combustor. Conclusion/Recommendation: Precise specifications of pneumatic and hydraulic systems will adequately address the environment concern of coal fired power supply as a method to address epileptic power supply in Nigeria.