Blockchain-like [formula omitted] analysis strategy for two distinct “White-box” modeling methodologies to simulate the incineration of oily sludge

Abstract

The upstream oily sludge (UOS) incineration process conducted in a co-current flow rotary kiln was examined by TG/DTG/DSC thermal analysis and simulated by distinct “White-Box” kinetic models. Inspired by the “Blockchain” idea, novel activation energy (Eα) analysis strategy was first put forward to overcome the questions encountered in the modeling processes. Thermal analysis indicated UOS incineration was a non-isothermal process formed by three reaction stages. Full-range Eα analysis combined with core-point E analysis revealed three multi-step reactions were respectively carried out in the three stages of UOS incineration, and each multi-step reaction was dominated by a specific single-step reaction. The “White Box” kinetic models utilized to simulate the original TG data were respectively established via the Sectionalized Single-step Reaction Approach (SSRA) and the Gaussian-Distributed Activation Energy Model (G-DAEM). Data reproducibility evaluation indicated the “kinetic triplet” of the dominant single-step reaction was beneficial for the construction of SSRA models, and the “kinetic triplet matrix” of the multi-step reaction was rewarding for the establishment of G-DAEM models. Discrepancy analysis manifested the efficiency of G-DAEM models was superior to that of SSRA models because G-DAEM models are more flexible in depicting the complex UOS incineration process.