Influence of the Adsorption Bed Composition on the Low-Pressure Fluidization

Abstract

The paper presents an innovative concept of the fluidization of an adsorption bed carried out under low-pressure conditions. Additionally, different bed mixes were used to test the effects of the bed composition on fluidization. Fluidization was caused by the pressure difference and the velocity of the flowing water vapor. These features make the research presented in this article significantly different from other studies known in the literature and constitute the main novelty of the paper. Silica gel with a particle diameter of 200–250 µm (Geldart group B) with aluminum and carbon nanotube additives was fluidized under reduced pressure (10–25 mbar). The pressure difference results in the flow of water vapor and, consequently, induces fluidization. The pressure in the evaporator was approx. 10 mbar, while in the reaction chamber it was approx. 25 mbar. The pressure difference of about 10–15 mbar allows for a flow of water vapor between the evaporator and the reaction chamber. During the tests, the pressures, temperatures and mass were measured. The pressure drop in the bed was closely related to the mass change in the fluidized bed.

Review of Fluidized Bed Technology Application for Adsorption Cooling and Desalination Systems

“…Outdoor Air Regenerate Air Connecting pipe ending with a funnel Adsorption Chamber Desorption Chamber Kulakowska et al [83] described an Intensified Heat Transfer Adsorption Bed (IHTAB) research stand. The test stand operates at low pressures and fluidization is caused by pressure differences and water vapor flowing between two tanks (Figure 7).…”

“…After obtaining the appropriate pressure in the evaporator, the valve opens, allowing the adsorbent to flow and fluidization of the bed in the reaction chamber. Both chambers contain mass, temperature, and pressure sensors that control the entire process [83].…”

“…Wang et al [47] mentions the acceleration of the refrigerant using a blower in a closed system. Kułakowska et al [83] writes about obtaining the fluidized state through the pressure difference between the sorption chamber and the evaporator. For the remaining works, the mechanism for obtaining fluidization is similar.…”

“…Carbon nanotubes improve the sorption properties of the fluidized bed. This is crucial for adsorption technology dedicated to cooling and desalination applications [83].…”