Modelling and optimization of a rotary kiln direct reduction process
HP Kritzinger, TC Kingsley
Rotary kilns are used for a variety of mineral processing operations. Hatch
makes use of a kiln model developed from first principles to evaluate
designs for its clients. This tool has been applied to a variety of pyrometallurgical
applications, including ferrovanadium, nickel carbonate, nickel
laterite, iron ore reduction, and spodumene (lithium) production.
This paper illustrates the application of numerical optimization
techniques in combination with the kiln model in the interrogation of a
generic iron ore reduction process. The fundamental modelling concepts
are explained, followed by a description of the optimization approach. The
results show how the combination of the two methods, with modern
computing power, can generate a large number of viable design and
operating candidates.
Keywords: direct reduction, DR process, rotary kiln, modelling, numerical
optimization.