Burden circumferential mass segregation at the blast furnace with parallel hoppers

Burden circumferential mass segregation has a negative influence on the smooth operation of blast furnace. A three-dimensional model of charging system of blast furnace with parallel hoppers based on the discrete element method (DEM) was established to investigate the effects of Y-tube diameter and mass flow rate on the segregation. The static and rolling friction coefficients of sinter and pellet used in the model were calibrated by the experiment of angle of repose. The simulation revealed that the change of force from chute curvature and Coriolis force with the change of collision point led to the deflection of particle flow. The deflection was the main cause of circumferential mass segregation. The circumferential region of blast furnace was divided into the negative segregation region (0 degrees-120 degrees and 210 degrees-240 degrees) and positive segregation region (120 degrees-210 degrees and 240 degrees-360 degrees). The degree of segregation varied linearly with the changes of Y-tube diameter and mass flow rate, and the effect of Y-tube diameter on segregation was greater than that of mass flow rate. In the future, it is expected to establish a circumferential mass segregation evaluation model that considers the main factors for exploring appropriate changing operations to reduce the segregation.