Modelling of a Pilot Scale Iron Ore Pellet Induration Furnace

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, a mathematical model of the pilot scale iron ore pellet induration furnace is presented. The validity of the model has been verified by performing separate experiments of subprocesses: drying, firing and cooling. The experiments were performed in such a way that the phenomena of heat transfer, drying and coke combustion could be studied separately. To do this, the green pellets were first dried, then heated to elevated temperatures at which the coke combustion commences and the pellet strength begins to increase. Finally, the pellets were cooled by passing ambient air across the bed.The pellet induration model is based on the equations describing the phenomena of heat and mass transfer, gas flow, drying and combustion of coke. The experiments and the pellet induration cycle were simulated by solving the differential equations. The pellet bed was divided into differential height elements and the phenomenological equations were solved by numerical methods. This type of model is very us...