Counterflow step-type bulk material cooler

Abstract

Counterflow cooling is extensively used in many industries to recover the heat from hot materials coming out of kiln. The method for calculating a counterflow step-type bulk material cooler is proposed. It is based on a matrix model of heat balance for individual cooling stages. The proposed equation system allows calculating the required number of steps and airing flow rate. The method was used to design a cyclone heat exchanger for an alumina calcination furnace and a counterflow louvered proppant cooler. It allows taking into account the degree of heat transfer incompleteness at individual stages and minimizing air flow for cooling. Examples of industrial introduction are given. The applicability of the method for counterflow heaters calculating is noted. On the basis of the offered method, step counterflow coolers with louvers were developed and introduced. Such devices and calculation methods can be used to heat the material before being fed into the furnace. The use of step-type counterflow heat exchanger makes it possible to utilize the heat of bulk material leaving the furnace and the heat of exhaust gases. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.