Differentiate fluidized bed from fixed bed.

Ø
A fluidized bed is widely used in many modern technologies for efficient
implementation of various physical and chemical processes. It is a physical
phenomenon occurring when a quantity of a solid particulate substance is placed
under appropriate conditions to cause a solid/fluid mixture to behave as a fluid.
Fluidized bed reactors are heterogeneous catalytic reactors in which the mass of catalyst is fluidized.
This allows for extensive mixing in all directions. A result of the mixing is excellent temperature stability
and increased mass-transfer and reaction rates. Furthermore, fluidized bed reactors are capable of
handling large amounts of feed and catalyst.
It is also used as a technical process which has the ability to
promote high levels of contact between gases and solids.
Fixed bed reactors are often used for catalytic processes and are the simplest type
pf reactor to design, and consist of solid catalyst particles being loaded
and packed into the bed. Fixed bed reactors consist of a cylindrical shell with
convex heads. Most are vertical, and allow reactants to flow by gravity. Inside the
reactor is an immobilized, or fixed, bed of catalyst. The basic operation of a packed
bed reactor are as follows; The reactants enter the reactor on the top, then flow
through. Upon entering the reactor, the reactants flow through the packed bed of
catalyst. By contacting with the catalyst pellets, the reactants react to form
products, which then exit the reactor on the bottom.
Ø
2. Discuss the pros and cons of fluidized bed and fixed bed.
Pros of Fluidized Bed
Ø Excellent bed-to-surface heat transfer coefficients (typically 1 order of magnitude better than in fixed
beds and 2 orders of magnitude better than in empty columns.)

Ø Offer a much higher efficiency in heat exchange

Ø Ability to add and remove particles continuously, facilitating catalyst regeneration
and continuous operation.
Ø Good turndown capability: The gas flow rate can be varied over a wide range, typically by at least a
factor of 2–3
Ø The rapid mixing of solids leads to nearly isothermal conditions throughout the reactor, hence the
operation can be controlled simply and reliably.
Ø It is suited to large-scale operations.
Ø The circulation of solids between two fluidized beds makes it possible to transport
the vast quantities of heat produced or needed in large reactors.
Ø Wide particle size distributions
Ø Heat and mass transfer rates between gas and particles are high when compared with other modes of
contacting.
Ø Relatively low pressure drops (essentially only enough to support the bed weight per unit cross-
sectional area.)
Ø The rate of heat transfer between a fluidized bed and an immersed object is high, hence heat
exchangers within fluidized beds require relatively small surface areas.