Method for improving solids distribution in a circulating fluidized bed system

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Disclosed is a process for improving the solids distribution in a circulating fluidized bed system. In the invention, hot ash from the system and fresh carbonaceous fuel are mixed in a chamber which is fluidized so as to form a fluidization zone wherein the heavier material is concentrated and a second fluidization zone which consists predominantly of fines at least a portion of which is separated from the heavier material. This zone separation is facilitated in part by maintaining different gas-mass flow rates so as to form a plug of heavier material. At least a portion of the fine material is then transferred into the reactor while the coarse material is further processed.