(38d) Beyond the Lab: Making Fluidization Models Work in the Real World

As energy needs continue to grow, many are turning to fluidization as a flexible and efficient way to improve production. But while it holds a lot of promise, fluidization also brings its own challenges that require a solid understanding of the process and how it behaves under different conditions. This presentation looks at a practical approach to improving fluidization models by combining real-world data—especially from bubbling beds and moving bed reactors—with existing prediction tools. A key focus is on making scale-up more reliable, particularly at higher temperatures where accuracy is critical.

By linking experimental data with model predictions, this work helps improve the accuracy of flowrate estimates and system behavior in fluidized beds and circulating fluidized beds (CFBs). It also compares how different reactor types—fluidized, moving, and fixed beds—perform under similar setups, helping identify common scale-up issues early on.

What makes this approach stand out is how it connects theory with real operation, creating a stronger base for making decisions when moving from lab-scale to full-scale production. The presentation will walk through the modeling process and highlight how these improvements can help streamline development, reduce guesswork, and support better planning in industrial applications.