An optimized process of drying titanium pellets in a tunnel kiln

Abstract

This paper examines the problem of modelling the titanium pellets drying process with the aim to find an optimum processing mode. For this, a mathematical operator was built that can translate the starting representation point in the parameter space into the end point along a given path. The key regularities of the titanium pellets drying process were examined, and conditions — defined that would allow to minimize the moisture content in the product over a time period specified in the statement of work avoiding consuming more power. A mathematical and computer models were developed to optimize the process of drying a flowing dense multi-layered mass of titanium pellets. These models helped optimize the energy and resource efficiency of this complex dynamic thermal process. The obtained results were applied when calculating a pellets drying process that would be energy efficient in a tunnel kiln. It was found that the optimum multi-layer drying mode is associated with a reduced energy consumption, a higher quality of the final product, and a lower return rate. This resulted in a minimum moisture content in titanium pellets reached in the time period as specified in the statement of work, with no need for additional power.