Fluidization and Spouting and Application to Clean Energy Production

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This Discovery Grant application is to continue my research program on spouting and fluidization phenomena, and the application of these technologies to environmentally friendly processes, clean energy production, and process intensification. Three specific projects are proposed: (1) Hydrodynamic studies, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, and scale-up of slot rectangular spouted beds (SRSB) for high temperature applications, (2) Development of a compact spouted bed reactor for simultaneous drying, torrefaction and comminution of biomass for wood pellet production, and (3) Production of ultra-pure hydrogen in a fluidized bed membrane reactor (FBMR) by steam reforming of hydrocarbon with in-situ CO2 capture. **Spouted beds have been developed for many thermal energy processes, such as drying, combustion, and gasification of coal, biomass, and black liquor. Project (1) will provide critical information for operation of a high-temperature spouted bed reactor, and an innovative approach for scale-up. In 2011, Canada produced about 2 million tonnes of wood pellets, mostly exported to Europe, USA and Japan for heating and power generation. However, deadly off-gassing (CO, CH4, CO2) and self-heating of wood pellets during storage pose serious health and fire hazards for long-distance transportation. Project (2) will develop a compact and energy-efficient reactor for producing torrefied biomass, with strongly reduced biological activity, and increased net calorific value, for making wood pellets which are safe for ocean transportation. Hydrogen is foreseen as a major future energy carrier, whose implementation could help to mitigate global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions from use of fossil fuels. Project (3) will develop an intensified process for producing ultra-pure hydrogen for fuel cells as well as a high-purity stream of CO2 suitable for sequestration. These projects will train 2 PhD, 2 Master's and 5 undergraduate students with high research ability for careers in industry or an academic environment for the next five years. ********