Recent Progress on Advanced Blast Furnace Mathematical Models Based on Discrete Method

Abstract

From the backgrounds of the recent trends towards low reducing agent operation of large blast furnaces and application of diversified charging modes for various burdens, an advanced mathematical model of the blast furnace is required. Although conventional models based on the continuum model have been widely used, these models are not sufficient for the recent demands. Discrete models such as discrete element model (DEM) and particle method are expected to enable precisely simulation of the discontinuous and inhomogeneous phenomena in the recent operating conditions. With discrete models, microscopic information on each particle in the packed bed can be obtained in addition to the overall phenomena in the blast furnace. Visual information for understanding in-furnace phenomena can be also obtained with high spatial resolution. Liquid dripping and the movement of fines in the lower part of the blast furnace can be simulated with high accuracy by using DEM and particle methods such as the Moving Particle Semi-implicit Method (MPS). Moreover, the optimum bed structure for low reducing agent operation is being clarified by application of the Eulerian-Lagrangian method. This review summarizes recent progress on the mathematical models based on the discrete model. KEY WORDS: ironmaking; blast furnace; mathematical model; discrete model; discrete element method; particle method.

Review on Modeling and Simulation of Blast Furnace

“…DEM‐based models have been extensively used to describe solid flow in BFs in recent years. Such studies have been reviewed previously and thus are outlined here, with new developments highlighted. Generally speaking, the advantages of the discrete models over the continuum models for solid flow include the following aspects.…”

“…Secondly, discrete models allow to investigate the transient behaviors of solid flow and associated phenomena resulting from the complex configurations related to, for example, pre‐set CZ shape, tuyere closure, sitting/floating state of coke bed, and pre‐set wall crab/scaffold . Understanding these transient behaviors is one of main research focused in the previous DEM studies of BFs . Thirdly, discrete models can provide the details of the flow and forces (see Figure ), as well as the stress states inside BFs with the support of the averaging theory (see Figure ).…”

Influence of Rolling Friction Coefficient on Inter-Particle Percolation in a Packed Bed by Discrete Element Method

“…It can also be considered as a shape factor in DEM model [23][24][25]. To quantify the effect of rolling friction coefficient on the inter-particle percolation in a packed bed, the percolation velocity, residence time, longitudinal and transverse dispersions are discussed here.…”

“…The rolling friction, specially, representing the energy dissipation mechanism with the elastic deformation at the contact point could act directly on particle dispersion. In DEM, it is also possible to consider the particle shape by selection of the rolling friction coefficient [23][24][25]. Therefore, a detailed study is necessary to clarify the influence of the rolling friction coefficient, which is related to the energy dissipation and shape factor, on the inter-particle percolation in a packed bed.…”

Structure of the Optimal Management System for Raw Materials, Fuel and Energy Resources in Blast-furnace Production

“…Such task is to be solved based on development and application of new methods and algorithms [1][2][3][4][5]. The mathematical models of technical processes and production [6][7][8] represent the intellectual core of such system.…”