Based on the analysis of experimental phenomena of particles clustering in the gas-solid system

taking the catalytic cracking reactions of vacuum gas oil for example

the flow

heat transfer and the cracking reactions occurred on the spherical and ellipsoidal particles clusters were simulated. The distribution of gas velocity

temperature and species concentration as well as the reaction rate inside and outside the particles clusters were obtained. The simulated results showed that the particles clustering hinders the sufficient contact of oil gas and catalyst particles

thus leading to the non-uniform distribution of velocity and temperature

and affecting the catalytic cracking reactions. The rates of primary reactions on cluster particles are greatly lower than those on the isolated single particle

and the formation of cluster affects the reaction time notably

which results in a higher yield of light gas and coke

which is undesirable in the industry production.