Steady State Simulation of a Rotary Kiln for Charcoal Activation

−− This work presents a mathematical modeling and steady state simulation study of the pilot scale rotary kiln behavior, which was designed to activate charcoal obtained from the raw materials of region of Cuyo-Argentina. The proposed model aims for acquiring useful information to select operating conditions and design parameters. It is a simplified mathematical model that consists of a system of nonlinear differential and algebraic equations, including a simple kinetic expression as well. Its solution, using the finite differences method, allows for obtaining solid flow rate, solid temperature, gas, and wall temperature profiles under a variety of operation conditions and as a function of the kiln’s length. Parameters such as burn off and production yield were analyzed and the results were compared with characteristic data taken from the literature. This model, once adjusted with experimental data, will allow to adjust the kiln’s operation in order to optimize both the energy usage and product quality. Keywords−− rotary kiln, activated carbon, activation, modeling, simulation.