Numerical Simulation of Black Liquor Spray Characteristics

TLDR: In this article, a robust two-phase numerical model was developed to predict black liquor spray characteristics, including velocity, droplet size and flow distribution in the furnace, by solving conservation equations of volume fraction and momentum utilizing the finite volume technique.

Abstract: The performance and capacity of Kraft recovery boilers is sensitive to black liquor velocity, droplet size and flow distribution in the furnace. Studies have shown that controlling droplet size and flow distribution improves boiler efficiency while allowing increased flight drying and devolatilization, and decreased carryover. The purpose of this study is to develop a robust two-phase numerical model to predict black liquor splashplate nozzle spray characteristics. A three-dimensional time dependent numerical study of black liquor sheet formation and sheet breakup is described. The volume of fluid (VOF) model is used to simulate flow through the splashplate nozzle up to initial sheet breakup and droplet formation. The VOF model solves the conservation equations of volume fraction and momentum utilizing the finite volume technique. Black liquor velocity, droplet size and flow distribution over a range of operating parameters are simulated using scaled physical models of splashplate nozzles. The VOF model is compared to results from a flow visualization experiment and experimental data found in the literature. The details of the simulation and experimental results are presented.Copyright © 2002 by ASME