Numerical simulation study on the effects of co-injection of pulverized coal and SPL (Spent Pot-Lining) into the blast furnace.

[Display omitted] • The combustion of a mixed fuel (80%PC&20%SPL) in raceway was studied numerically. • The mixed fuel is proved to be an alternative of pure PC for carbothermal reduction. • The use of mixed fuel will reduce the carbon emission in the iron making industry. This study investigated the potential use of spent pot-lining (SPL) as a supplementary fuel in blast furnaces (BFs) to replace coke or pulverized coal (PC). A numerical model was established to study the combustion behavior of mixed fuel (MF) containing 80 % PC and 20 % SPL in the raceway of BF. The study focused on the effects of blast velocity, temperature, injection rate, and oxygen content on combustion. Results showed that the burnout rate has a positive relationship with blast velocity and oxygen content, and decreases with the increase of blast temperature and injection volume. To obtain a high temperature zone, it is recommended to increase the oxygen content and air volume of the blast, and the blast temperature (1473 K) and injection volume (169 kg/t) maintain the basic operating conditions. These results can provide insights into the potential use of SPL as a waste resource in iron-making processes, which can promote the substitution of industrial waste SPL for PC in high-energy-consuming industries, contribute to the development of green metallurgical technology, and advance global energy conservation and emission reduction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]