Numerical modelling of the rotary furnace in aluminium recycling processes

In this paper, a numerical simulation involving fluid flow and heat transfer is presented in order to improve the understanding of rotary furnaces. The finite element model is employed to simulate the furnace rotation and analyse the energy flows inside the furnace. A transient dynamic analysis is carried out to predict the evolution and distribution of temperatures in a rotary furnace by modelling and analysing the furnace under different flame positions. The finite element modelling system ELFEN is used to develop models of the furnace. The results clearly indicate the temperature distribution for different angular velocities along with a comparison of temperature variation under different flame positions.