A CFD model for gas uniform distribution in turbulent flow for the production of titanium pigment in chloride process

• Three-dimensional CFD model was adopted for the gas flow of TiCl4 in the annular channel in chloride process.
• The characteristics of velocity distribution in annular channel with five kinds of rectifying rings were analyzed.
• The dimensionless pressure of gas flow in the annular channel with five kinds of rectifying rings was investigated.
• The turbulent kinetic energy loss with five kinds of rectifying rings and without rectifying rings was calculated.

The fluid dynamic behavior of feeding gas (TiCl4) in an annular channel affects the combination of O2 and TiCl4 in an oxidation reactor, a key piece of equipment in titanium pigment production. The numerical procedure was validated by a 3-dimensional gas flow in the annular channel. Applying the validated model, the flow characteristics of TiCl4 in the oxidation reactor with a tangential inlet were simulated and characterized. The flow distribution with five rectifying rings of different structure was simulated and analyzed. The results showed that the rectifying ring improved the distribution uniformity of the pressure and outlet velocity. Compared to the original case without a rectifying ring, the non-uniformity of the pressure and outlet velocity could be reduced by up to 91% and 69% respectively. The rectifying ring #5, which can be installed and adjusted easily, is more effective in realizing even distribution. In addition, installation of the rectifying ring effectively reduced the circulating flow in an annular channel as well as the total energy loss.

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