Discrete element method study of solid descending and residence properties in COREX shaft furnace with center gas supply device

Solid descending and residence properties in COREX shaft furnace with a center gas supply device (CGSD) were studied using the discrete element method. Solid flow pattern, residence time distribution, and local solid residence time (SRT) were analyzed. Moreover, the effects of the rotation speed of screws, the radius, and height of CGSD were investigated. The results show that the solid flow is dominantly a plug flow in the shaft furnace with the CGSD. In the upper region of the shaft furnace for gas–solid reduction, uniform distribution of local SRT is observed, which is preferable to match the even gas distribution expected due to the CGSD and slots. For different rotation speeds of the screws, the distribution of solid flow patterns is similar. The averaged residence time, dispersed plug volume fraction, and dead volume fraction decrease with increasing the rotation speed of the screws. The radius of the CGSD affects the solid residence in the shaft furnace. Local SRT above the CGSD increases with the increase in the radius of CGSD, possibly leading to the formation of more agglomerates. Hence, the radius of CGSD should be chosen carefully. The height of CGSD has a minor effect on solid residence in the shaft furnace.