Simulations of Reacting Fluidized Beds Using an Agent-Based Bubble Model

We apply a low-order dynamical model for simulating the conversion of bubbling bed reactors. The model includes mass-transfer and first-order reactions between the gas and solids and accounts for upward motion and interactions between bubbles. On a time-average basis, we get reasonably good agreement between the model and experimental measurements from an ozone decomposition reactor. The collective result of the bubble dynamics is a type of global emergent behavior characterized by the formation of a pulsing central channel of high void fraction and high gas flow. These pulsations appear to be similar in character to those typically seen in dynamic pressure measurements of bubbling beds. We use our model to explore the impact of these pulsations on reactor conversion.