Numerical analysis of the thermal and fluid dynamic behavior of the flue gases in a traditional furnace for panela production

Introduction: Panela is a product derived from sugar cane that is prepared using a traditional burner designed especially for this purpose. According to studies found in the literature, it was identified that the thermal efficiency of panela burners is 30% on average. Objective: The objective of this investigation is to contribute to the search for new alternatives for the improvement of the low efficiency present on these systems, mainly affecting the flue gases duct. Methodology: The development of this study is as follows: first, a research of the radiation and optical thickness effect in a simplified furnace is carried out. Afterward, a series of simulations with modifications in the design of the flue gas duct for a real size furnace are analyzed. Results: The results showed that the radiation effect must be considered and, even though the optical thickness is low, it has a relevant impact in the heat transfer process due to the high temperatures in the furnace. A chaotic movement of the gases implied more heat transferred to the heaters and high values of Nusselt with the addition of new elements in the duct were obtained. Conclusions: Arrangement 1, provides the best results with a Nusselt and thermal efficiency increase. No significant differences between the DOM and the P-1 radiation were found.