Model for the carbothermic reduction of dust-carbon composite agglomerates

A mathematical model to predict the reaction behaviour of the dust-carbon composite agglomerate in an RHF was developed. The proposed model includes the gas release from volatile matter as well as the reduction of iron oxides and the carbon gasification, taking into account the application of low-rank coal and waste plastic for a reductant. The model presents both the positive effect of volatile content on the rate of reduction reactions and the negative impact of volatile release on the increased internal pressure. Thus, the proposed simulation model can be used as a basic tool to determine the optimum operating conditions for utilizing an expanded range of carbonaceous wastes in the RHF dust recycling process.