Title: Modelling heat transfer through a novel design of rotary kiln

Authors: J.K. Martin, R.J. Matela, R.G. Sherwen

Addresses: Department of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK7 6AA, UK. Department of Design, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK7 6AA, UK. Sherwen Engineering Co Ltd., Dartford, Kent DA2 8EB, UK

Abstract: A novel form of rotary kiln has been developed which confers advantages over conventional designs. Details are given of the main features of the kiln, along with an approach used to study its heat transfer characteristics when hot processing waste products into a lightweight synthetic aggregate for recycling in building materials. Computer aided finite element modelling was used to predict temperature profiles and heat fluxes involving non-linear properties of the exterior insulation materials and internal radiation effects. Observations are given comparing predicted temperatures for two different cross sectional shapes and with those measured in practice on a prototype novel kiln. Observations are also given on the methods of approach to the modelling.

Keywords: rotary kiln; waste processing; finite element modelling; thermodynamic.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2003.002120

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2003 Vol.17 No.4, pp.233-243

Published online: 20 Jul 2003 *

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