Mathematic simulation of heat transfer and operating optimization in alumina rotary kiln

摘要

Based on the analysis of material motion in the axial direction, heat transfer and mass transport processes in a rotary kiln, and combining with pulverized coal combustion, material pyrogenation, cooling of furnace wall finally, and heat transfer and mass transport equations, the combined heat transfer mathematical model for alumina rotary kiln was built up. According to the in-site real operation parameters, the heat transfer mathematical model was solved numerically for an alumina rotary kiln to predict the temperature profiles of gas and material in the axial direction. The results show that as the excess air coefficient reduces from 1.38 to 1.20, the temperature of the sintering zone increases and the length decreases. However, as the excess air coefficient reduces from 1.20 to 1.10, the temperature of the sintering zone decreases and the length increases. When the mixed coal amount at the end of kiln is reduced from 68.6 kg/t to 62.0 kg/t and the burned coal amount at the head of kiln correspondingly increases from 155.3 kg/t to 161.9 kg/t, the sintering zone temperature increases and the length reduces. The suitable excess air coefficient and mixed coal amount at the end of kiln are recommended for the rotary kiln operation optimization.