Numerical simulation of fluid flow in a smelting cyclone reactor.

Conditions in the reactor were modelled using the Computational Fluid Dynamics software FIRE. The results of one-phase flow calculation showed the advantages of top concentrate feeding, large height/width ratio of the tuyeres and an increased number of tangential inlets. Two-phase flow calculations simulated by non-reacting concentrate particles with different particle mean diameters proved the great advantages of top blowing; the result is a much better particle distribution and an enhanced retention time inside the reactor before the particles reach the cyclone wall. The next step in modelling will be to include the chemical reaction and heat balance in order to simulate both flow and converting reactions.
Conditions in the reactor were modelled using the Computational Fluid Dynamics software FIRE. The results of one-phase flow calculation showed the advantages of top concentrate feeding, large height/width ratio of the tuyeres and an increased number of tangential inlets. Two-phase flow calculations simulated by non-reacting concentrate particles with different particle mean diameters proved the great advantages of top blowing; the result is a much better particle distribution and an enhanced retention time inside the reactor before the particles reach the cyclone wall. The next step in modelling will be to include the chemical reaction and heat balance in order to simulate both flow and converting reactions.