Title: Combustion modelling of a rotary limekiln

Authors: James Macphee, Mathieu Sellier, Mark Jermy, Edilberto Tadulan

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Canterbury, PB4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Canterbury, PB4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Canterbury, PB4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. ' McDonalds Lime Ltd., 498 Old Te Kuiti Road, RD6, Otorohanga, New Zealand

Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to investigate the combustion processes occurring within a rotary lime kiln. Numerical results were validated against experimental data from the International Flame Research Foundation|s (IFRF) Furnace No. 1. Results highlighted the need to reduce cold air leakages into the kiln and that firing the kiln with a 25/ thermal substitution of waste oil is the most efficient mode of operation. The work presented in this article will enable operating and environmental costs of the rotary kiln to be reduced and has laid the foundation for further investigations into the combustion of waste fuels in rotary kilns.

Keywords: CFD; computational fluid dynamics; pulverised coal combustion; oil combustion; rotary lime kilns; IFRF furnaces; combustion modelling; cold air leakage; waste oil; waste fuels; operating costs; environmental costs.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2010.035372

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2010 Vol.10 No.5/6, pp.384 - 393

Published online: 26 Sep 2010 *

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