CFD-based Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Simulations in a Gas- Solid Vortex Reactor demonstrating Process Intensification

Abstract

Gas-Solid Vortex Reactors (GSVRs) are a new generation of rotating fluidized beds. The solids beds are closely packed. Gas-solid contact improves, resulting in better heat and mass transfer. It makes GSVRs appropriate for thermally intensive reactions like biomass fast pyrolysis. In this work, results of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations demonstrate various salient features of the GSVR. Biomass fast pyrolysis simulations predict high yields of liquid bio-oil when performed in a GSVR. Additionally, the GSVR is found to radially segregate biomass and char, resulting in a higher entrainment tendency of char particles. GSVR is thus found to be a viable alternative for biomass fast pyrolysis, resulting in a considerable process intensification.