CFD-DEM simulation of raceway size and mechanical characteristics of industrial scale blast furnace

Abstract The raceway plays a crucial role in ensuring the stable functioning of the ironmaking blast furnace. It is the key site where the chemical reaction of coke combustion takes place, providing the necessary heat and reducing gas for the upper iron ore reduction process. Consequently, the size of the raceway serves as an essential indicator of the blast furnace’s operational condition. In this study, a mathematical model for the raceway of an industrial-scale blast furnace was established. Extensive innovation investigations were conducted to explore the characteristics pertaining to the raceway’s size. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that both the particle size and the inlet velocity exert significant influences on the raceway dimensions. Specifically, the height of the raceway is predominantly affected by the particle size, whereas the inlet velocity predominantly influences the depth of the raceway.