A Dynamic Cooler Model for Cement Clinker Production

TL;DR

This paper introduces a detailed 2D dynamic model of a grate belt cooler in cement clinker production, integrating physical and chemical processes for improved simulation and potential optimization.

Contribution

It presents a novel first-principles based DAE model for the cooler, enabling dynamic simulation and aiding in design and control for energy and emission improvements.

Findings

Model accurately matches expected steady-state behavior.

Dynamic simulations reveal transient responses of the cooler.

Provides a foundation for optimization and control system development.

Abstract

We present a 2D model for a grate belt cooler in the pyro-section of a cement plant. The model is formulated as an index-1 differential-algebraic equation (DAE) model based on first engineering principles. The model systematically integrates thermo-physical aspects, transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, mass and energy balances, and algebraic volume and energy relations. The model is used for dynamic simulation of the cooler and the paper provides dynamic and steady-state simulation results matching the expected behavior. The cooler model is one part of a full pyro-section model for dynamical simulations. The model can serve as a basis for the design of optimization and control systems towards improving energy efficiency and CO2 emission.