Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Engineering Science

Program

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Supervisor

Dr. Cedric Briens

2nd Supervisor

Dr. Franco Berruti

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

Many processes use spray nozzles to introduce liquid into a fluidized bed. One such process is the Fluid Coking Process which is used to upgrade bitumen. Poor liquid distribution in a Fluid Coker proves detrimental as agglomerates form which introduce mass and heat transfer limitations. The main objective of this thesis is to determine the effect of interacting spray jets on the liquid distribution in a Fluid Coker. This was accomplished by using a low temperature experimental model of Fluid Coking to estimate the liquid distribution. Preliminary screening of nozzle positions was accomplished by the use of conductance measurements. A binder solution was then utilized to further investigate the agglomerates produced for the most interesting nozzle positions. Three types of spray nozzle interactions were investigated to determine their effect on the liquid distribution in a Fluid Coker. Depending on the relative positions of the spray nozzles, improved or deteriorated performances were observed for each type of configuration.

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