Numerical investigation of gas-solid heat transfer process and parameter optimization in shaft kiln for high-purity magnesia

Abstract

As the core equipment for the production of high-purity magnesia, the determination of suitable structure and operating parameters has a significant impact on its efficient production. In present work, a three-dimensional numerical model of the high-purity magnesia shaft kiln is established to study the influence of different operating and structural parameters on outlet clinker temperature and outlet exhaust air temperature. The novelty is adding a convective term to the solid-phase equation of the energy model, as well as embedding the heat transfer coefficient and a modified Ergun’s correlation, obtained by a homemade experimental setup. Production data verify the accuracy and reliability of the model. The results indicate that with all other parameters being constant, the most significant impact on the outlet temperature of clinker and exhaust air is cooling air flow rate, followed by sintering gas flow rate, height below the burners and height above the burners. Finally, a combination of parameters for the 50,000 tons shaft kiln is obtained through orthogonal experiment and optimization, which is 2622 m3/h for sintering gas flow rate, 2422 m3/h for cooling air flow rate, 7.07 m for the height above the burners, and 12.14 m for the height below the burners.