Mathematical model for descending self-reducing agglomerates in lumpy zone of Tecnored furnace

Abstract

This work presents a comprehensive mathematical modelling generated by a cooperative research programme implying Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro – PUC/Rio and Tecnored, Tecnologia de Auto-Redução Ltda, designed and utilised in the early pilot plant development of the Tecnored process. It aimed to predict the heating and reduction behaviour of descending agglomerates in the upper zone of a packed bed type shaft furnace, e.g. the Tecnored reactor. In a very effective way, based on the results of the Tecnored pilot plant development, the mathematical modelling had been calibrated and has proved to be extremely important in the understanding of the various physical chemical phenomena occurring in this zone of the furnace, as well as a powerful tool to plan and implement new improvements into the process. Two case studies are presented in this paper, where the effects of different reactivities of the reductant and solid fuel, are simulated by the model for the upper zone of the furnace.