Optimization of non-spherical particle flow in vertical waste heat recovery devices: Analyzing structural configurations

Vertical waste heat recovery devices are emerging but are immature. The vertical waste heat recovery devices of circular, square, and optimized designs were analyzed for a full capacity of 8 tons of sintered ore. Using DEM theory, the effects of particle size distribution, velocity, and wall forces on void fraction distribution and particle flow were examined. The circular device demonstrated superior mixed particle flow compared to the square device, achieving integrated flow for 50 % of particles in the cone, in contrast to 26 % for the square device. An optimized circular device achieved integral flow for 90 % of particles, significantly enhancing overall flow and reducing wall adhesion, attributed to its improved internal design. Through insert and distributor design, the overall particle flow within the device improved, with almost no particles remaining on the walls. These findings underscore the potential for enhanced heat recovery efficiency through optimized internal structures in waste heat recovery devices.