Project Details

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Indirect Heating Element Design for Rotary Kilns

Company: ZAP Engineering & Construction Services, Inc.

Major(s):
Primary: EGEE
Secondary: ME
Optional: EE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

In mineral processing systems, heat is often a main driver in the chemical processes that are taking place. One of the main pieces of equipment in the processing system is a rotary kiln that is typically heated by firing fuel internally to directly heat the raw materials via an internal flame in order to create chemical reactions. An alternative approach is utilizing electric heating elements that externally heat the kiln shell and result in indirectly heating the material through contact with the shell. This type of system has limitation due to a multitude of design factors including materials of construction of the mechanical components and efficiency of heating the raw materials indirectly. This project will explore alternative approaches to integrating the electric heating elements into the kiln internal lining materials. The intended result is to lower the surface temperature of the kiln shell to allow for more common materials of construction while also increasing the system efficiency by moving the heating surface closer to the raw materials.