Fluidization is a method of mixing fuel and air in a specific proportion, for obtaining

combustion. a fluidized bed may be defined as the bed of solid particles behaving as a fluid. it
operates on the principal that when an evenly distributed air is passed upward through a finely
divided bed of solid particles at low velocity, the particles remain undisturbed, but if the velocity
of air flow is steadily increased, a stage is reached when the individual particles are suspended in
the air stream. if the air velocity is further increased, the bed becomes highly turbulent and rapid
mixing of particles occur which appear like formation of bubbles in a boiling liquid and the
process of combustion as a result is known as fluidized bed combustion. the velocity of air,
causing fluidization depends on a number of parameter, like:-

1. size of fuel particles

2. density of air fuel mixture.

Hence, these parameters are given due consideration, while manipulating with air flow velocity
for desired rate of combustion.In fluidized bed combustion, rapid mixing ensures uniformity of
temperature. The main advantage of fluidized bed combustion system is that municipal waste,
sewage plant sludge, biomass, agricultural waste and other high moisture fuels can be used for
heat generation.
A fluidized furnace has an enclosed space with a base having openings to admit air. Crushed
coal, ash and crushed dolomite or limestone is mixed in the bed furnace and high velocity
combustion air is then passed through the bed, entering from the furnace bottom.

Advantages and Dis-advantages of Fluidized Bed

Combustion
1. High thermal efficiency
2. Easy ash removal system, to be transferred for made cement
3. Short commissioning and erection period
4. Fully automated and thus ensures safe operation, even at
extreme temperatures
5. Efficient operation at temperatures down to 150° C ( i.e. well
below the ash fusion temperature)
6. Reduced coal crushing etc. (pulverised coal is not a necessity
here)
7. The system can respond rapidly to changes in load demand,
due to quick establishment of thermal equilibrium between
air and fuel particles in the bed
8. The operation of fluidized bed furnace at lower temperature
helps in reducing air pollution. The low temperature
 operation also reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides. By
adding either dolomite (a calcium-magnesium carbonate) or
lime stone (calcium carbonate) to the furnace the discharge of
sulphur oxides to the atmosphere can also be reduced if
desired.
9. Environmental advantages: fluidized beds typically operate at
around 800-900 degrees below temperature at which ash
melts , this lower temperature also minimize the formation of
nitrogen oxides.
10. Limestone mixed with the coal react with the sulfur
oxide formed during combustion, over 90% can be removed.
11. The solid residues can be used for rood construction
and rood fills.
12. Low grade coals for those with a high mineral matter
and moisture content.
13. Efficiency: 46% meaning lower CO2 emissions.
14. Steam and gas turbine to generate electricity. Steam
turbines operate at high pressure, and a substantial energy
lost when steam is condensed at the end. Gas turbine operate
at high temperature low pressure values. Considerable heat
loss from the high temperature of the exhaust gases, therefore
a dual cycle can be used to increase efficiency.