Promoting effect of water vapor on particle matter combustion in a low-temperature continuous regeneration type PM removal device using a fluidized bed

A fluidized bed type particulate matter (PM) removal device has been developed by focusing on the adhesion force under condition of non-water vapor. This device efficiently collects fine PM and can be operated as a low-temperature continuous regeneration device. The exhaust gas of a combustor includes water vapor at concentrations of 5–15 vol%. To further develop this device, the effect of water vapor on the continuous regeneration was investigated. The collection efficiency increases due to the water vapor. The reaction rate constant increases with increasing water vapor and with decreasing PM diameter. It is shown that water vapor promotes PM combustion at 250–400 °C. A smaller PM suits PM collection and combustion because smaller PM results in relatively larger adhesion force and well contacts the oxidant by dispersing it on the bed particles. The continuous regeneration temperature decreases to 380 °C due to the water vapor under optimal conditions.