In order to address the widespread challenge of being unable to simulate long durations, this project will further develop the recurrence CFD (rCFD) method (Lichtenegger & Pirker, Chem Eng Sci, 2016) for time extrapolation of TFM simulations of fluidized beds for studying and understanding long-term particle conversion processes.

Specific objectives are:

1. To study the characteristic time scales and flow pattern in gas–solid fluidized beds;
2. Conduct rCFD and TFM simulations of a well-documented fluidized bed (pilot scale), provided by Hamburg University of Technology;
3. Validate long-term conversion/heating predictive capabilities;
4. Investigate the effect of slowly varying vs. suddenly changing operating conditions and assess the scalability of the rCFD model.

Expected Results:

1. Efficient method and simulation workflow for time-extrapolation of TFM simulations;
2. Quantitative comparison/validation of rCFD with traditional TFM simulations of fluidized beds;
3. Scalability study of very fast rCFD model for fluidized bed processes.