Dynamic modelling of a rotary kiln for calcination of titanium dioxide white pigment

A rigorous one-dimensional dynamic model of a rotary kiln for calcination of titanium dioxide white pigment is developed. The regenerative heat transfer in the kiln wall is described by a new mixed numerical/analytical approach. The model is validated by means of a dynamic test case representing a 15-day period of plant operation. The required process data are captured within a measurement campaign on a kiln run by TRONOX Pigments GmbH, Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany. The predictive accuracy of the model is estimated by means of a sensitivity analysis considering uncertainties of model parameters and measured input values. The actual agreement between simulation and measurement results is significantly better than indicated by the sensitivity analysis.

► Development of a dynamic model of a rotary kiln and extensive validation by means of a measurement campaign on industrial plant. ► Simulation results in better agreement with measurements than suggested by steady-state sensitivity analysis. ► Results indicate that simulation of kiln behavior with quantitative accuracy is possible.