Investigation of reactor wall coating due to electrostatic charging in a pilot plant high-pressure gas-solid fluidization system.

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One major problem in gas-solid fluidized bed reactors is particle agglomeration and reactor wall fouling, which is known to be as a result of generation of electrostatic charges due to vigorous mixing of solid particles in such systems. The significant impact of this phenomenon has been reported in industries such as polymer, and oil and gas. In polyethylene gas-solid fluidized bed reactors, electrostatic adhesion due to highly charged particles results in formation of undesired polymer sheets on the reactor wall, leading to frequent process shut downs for reactor clean up, loss of production; and thus, significant economic losses. Since 2006, I have set up two fluidization laboratories at the University of Ottawa, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department that consist of two pilot plant, one atmospheric and high-pressure, fluidization systems, and have established an extensive experimental program to gain a better understanding of the reactor wall fouling in gas-solid fluidized beds with specific application in polyethylene production. My research team has been successful in developing a new and unique online electrostatic charge measurement technique that has been implemented in both fluidization systems. To study the electrostatic phenomenon in gas-solid fluidized beds, it is essential for the experimental work to be conducted under similar operating conditions to those of the industrial rectors. Thus, the focus of the proposed research is to conduct a comprehensive study of electrostatic charging mechanisms of polyethylene reactors in the high-pressure facility which is capable of operating under higher pressures and temperature (up to 25 bar and 100C). Some of the specific parameters to be investigated include the effects of operating pressure, relationship between bubble dynamics and degree of reactor fouling, fluidization gas velocity, as well as, fluidization of mixture of polyethylene and its catalyst.