Dynamic simulation of a high-temperature slagging incineration process

Abstract The objective of this research is to study the dynamic state of a high-temperature slagging incineration process (HTSI, Fig. 1). The simulation logic of HTSI at steady state has been discussed in Wey et al . ( Computers chem. Engng 15 , 297–304, 1991). The detailed numerical technique and dynamic simulation are presented here. Through the dynamic simulation of HTSI, the temperature and composition distribution along the incinerator body and waste channel, and the slag melting rate can be predicted at either steady or unsteady state. The quality of the waste product is the most important requirement of this novel incineration process. With the predicted dynamic results, the time to reach steady state can be obtained. Finally the waste product quality could be assured and the energy consumption can be minimized. The results obtained show: (a) the melting rate is affected by the operating chamber temperature, but the burning out rate is mostly affected by the waste feed rate; (b) the slag layer and the underlying waste provide efficient thermal insulation across which a thermal gradient appears; and (c) for the final combustible waste product to reach steady state takes less than 1 h, but for the melting rate and the temperature to reach steady state should take a few hours.