Discrete Element Model for Charging Process of COREX 3000 Shaft

The gas distribution in a shaft furnace dominates the temperature profile, gas utilization ratio, metallization degree and is the only means for regulating the gas flow distribution. Through introducing kinematic theory of granular, a numerical simulation model of burden distribution in the shaft furnace of COREX 3000 was developed by means of discrete element method (DEM) based on the Newton second law and soft-sphere contact model. The model can intuitively and visually reproduce the charging process, and quantitatively access the material flow trajectories, landing and forming process of the burden surface shape. Applying the model to further analyze the mixing charging process of two different diameter particle, obtained the charge movement process and the formation of the stockpile and found that size segregation is serious. Therefore, the model provides an important research base established model to find and optimize the charge patterns.