Non-uniformity of heat transfer in a shuttle kiln

A numerical investigation of the flow and heat transfer characteristics in a shuttle kiln is performed using the CFD software FLUENT with non-conformal grids and the standard k-ε turbulence model. The integral and local heat transfer non-uniformities of stacks are evaluated, and furthermore, the formation mechanism of such non-uniformities is analyzed. The results show much greater heat transfer intensity among the peripheral stacks than that among the internal ones, which contributes to the integral non-uniformity. The longitudinal heat transfer non-uniformity is primarily caused by the layer-like nozzle jets and bottom outlet, which form three layer-style surrounding streams converging to outlet. The periodical arrangement of stacks together with the strong impingement of jets, leads to the peripheral heat transfer non-uniformity. Based on the comprehensive understanding of flow and heat transfer, innovative efforts are made to improve heat transfer performance by adjusting flowrate distribution among nozzles.