Experience gained in pilot-scale and bench-scale fluidised beds processing

Abstract

The CSIR has had a strong drive in fluidised bed technology for over two decades. During this period collaboration has been fostered with numerous partners and clients. By being able to draw on their resources, skills, test and other facilities, considerable progress has been made. The earliest developments were in coal combustion. Work has been done on in-bed sulphur capture to reduce the sulphur dioxide off-gas content. Expertise in the design and commissioning of industrial-scale plants has led to the supply (through licensees) of a biomass sludge incinerator/ boiler generating 26t/h steam, a 20 MW high-sulphur pitch incinerator and a 12 MW fluidised bed deodoriser. In the late 1990s the Fluidised Bed Centre of Excellence was formed to combine the expertise and facilities of the CSIR and Kumba Resources, particularly in the field of combustion and minerals beneficiation