Flow patterns in the waste heat boiler of Chuquicamata's flash furnace

摘要

The flow patterns inside the Ahlstroem~R waste heat boiler (WHB) of the Chuquicamata's flash smelting furnace have been studied using a 3D physical model on a 1:10 linear scale. Flow patterns were determined by means of diffusive and special particulate tracers. Fluid dynamics analysis using a 3D model elicited the gas flow patterns for alternative baffles-radiant elements configurations, thus permitting the selection of optimal solutions for heat boiler capacity and efficiency. The mechanism of uptake-WHB joint accretion formation was also investigated.