Transient CFD modelling of low-temperature spontaneous heating behaviour in multiple coal stockpiles with wind forced convection

• Mechanistic understanding of interaction of coal with oxygen and thermodynamics of self-heating of coal stockpile
• A detailed description of development of mathematical model and numerical solution to self-heating of coal stockpile
• In depth analysis of impacts of different variables on spontaneous heating of multiple coal stockpiles

Spontaneous heating of coal stockpile has long been a thermal dynamic hazard during coal storage, processing, and transport. A transient non-equilibrium thermal CFD model has been developed to study the low-temperature self-heating behaviour of coal in multiple stockpiles under different prevailing wind conditions. Modelling results from the initial steady wind flow simulation indicate that a wake region can be induced on the leeward side of each coal stockpile. Pressure coefficient drops when the wind stream encounters or leaves a stockpile and the pressure coefficient profiles of multiple stockpiles tend to have more resemblance with a wider spacing. The first stockpile acts like a wind barrier to the adjacent stockpiles and the maximum temperature of it tends to be the first approaching the critical temperature. A ‘hot spot’ will develop and then migrate towards deep regions in each of these stockpiles that are loosely compacted under higher wind velocity conditions. Wind velocity and porosity of stockpile have significant influences on self-heating behaviour of the stockpiles and transport pattern of gaseous products liberated by coal oxidation. Compacting stockpiles from loosely packed scenario to slightly packed scenario might not be able to slow down the temperature rising rate at low-temperature range but could considerably minimize the volume of deteriorated coal. The highest temperature rising profiles of the stockpiles located in downwind side can approach to that of the first stockpile, particularly when they are more widely stacked. Stacking coal stockpiles as close as practically possible is recommended to maximise the “protection” of adjacent stockpiles but would cause undesirable accumulation of carbonic gases. Stockpiles in low height and gentle slope will have a prolonged safe storage period, especially for the first stockpile directly facing the wind direction. However, it may not slow down the self-oxidation process of the adjacent stockpile at very initial stage due to “weakened protection” of the first stockpile. This study has practical reference to coal industry especially where multiple coal stockpiles require to be constructed.