DEM-based virtual experimental blast furnace: A quasi-steady state model

Intensive heat and mass transfer between continuum fluids and discrete particulate materials is quite common in many chemical processes. To understand and improve the operation of these processes, discrete particle models are very helpful when they are combined with the flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction models. Here, a quasi-steady state model for investigating thermo-chemical behaviors is established and tested for an experimental blast furnace (BF). First, the new treatments and assumptions are discussed in detail. Then, the model is tested against available experimental data under comparable conditions in terms of in-furnace flow state, temperature distribution, and the characteristics of the cohesive zone. Finally, a discussion of further development is presented. Such a model can be used to study the effects of burden distribution, inlet gas composition and material properties on the operation and energy efficiency of a BF. Such particle scale modeling can be extended to other chemical processes such as fluidized beds and rotary kilns not only for better fundamental understanding but also for better process design and control.