Investigation of reactor fouling due to electrostatics in high-pressure gas-solid fluidized beds

气-固流化反应器中的一个主要问题是颗粒团聚和反应器壁结垢，已知这是由于固体颗粒在这种系统中的剧烈混合而产生静电荷的结果。据报道，这种现象在聚合物、石油和天然气等行业产生了重大影响。在聚乙烯反应器中，由于高度带电的颗粒引起的静电粘附导致在反应器壁上形成不期望的聚合物片，导致频繁的工艺唐斯以进行反应器清理、生产损失;并且因此导致显著的经济损失。自2006年以来，我在渥太华大学化学与生物工程系建立了一个实验室，包括一个中试装置常压流化设施，并建立了一个广泛的实验计划，以更好地了解气固流化床反应器壁结垢，并在聚乙烯生产中的具体应用。我的研究团队已经成功开发并测试了一种新的独特的在线静电荷测量技术。

One major problem in gas-solid fluidization reactors is particle agglomeration and reactor wall fouling, which has been 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 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 a laboratory at the University of Ottawa, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department that consist of a pilot plant atmospheric fluidization facility, and 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 already successfully developed and tested a new and unique online electrostatic charge measurement technique.