Discrete element method simulation of segregation pattern in a sinter cooler charging chute system--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Izard, E., Moreau, M., & Ravier, P. (2021). Discrete element method simulation of segregation pattern in a sinter cooler charging chute system. Particuology, 59, 34-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2020.08.004

Discrete element method simulation of segregation pattern in a sinter cooler charging chute system

Edouard Izard ^a *, Maxime Moreau ^a, Pascal Ravier ^b

a ArcelorMittal Global R&D, Voie Romaine, BP30320, 57283 Maizières-lès-Metz Cedex, France
b ArcelorMittal Méditerranée, 13776 Fos-sur-Mer, France

10.1016/j.partic.2020.08.004

Volume 59, December 2021, Pages 34-42

Received 31 January 2020, Revised 20 August 2020, Accepted 28 August 2020, Available online 25 September 2020, Version of Record 13 October 2021.

E-mail: edouard.izard@arcelormittal.com

Highlights

• Measures of segregation at the charging system exit are qualitatively reproduced with a DEM model.

• Segregation patterns are not affected by the different sizes used for fine particles in the model.

• A small chute filling ratio is detrimental to process efficiency regarding particles distribution.

Abstract

This paper presents the simulation of material flows in the large-scale charging chute of Fos-Sur-Mer sinter cooler plant by using three-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM). As a result of granular flows in the chute, segregation patterns are formed at the charging exit. The sinter material is modelled as dry particles and their size distribution in the simulation is larger than in the reality to keep the simulation in a reasonable run time. Suitable calibration tests are performed to specify the DEM contact parameters in order to replicate the behavior observed during experiments with the virtual sinter particles. The DEM model is found to be in good agreement with a segregation measurement. A sensitivity analysis using different particle sizes shows that the segregation patterns are not affected by the different sizes used for fine particles. Furthermore, the filling ratio in the charging system is varied in the model and shows that a high filling ratio leads to less segregation when exiting the charging chute. The DEM model is used to analyze the granular flows in the charging chute, understand the material behavior and optimize the sinter cooling efficiency.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Discrete element method; Segregation; Sinter; Industrial application

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