1D Heat Transfer Model for the Chain Section of a Lime Kiln

This work was aimed at gaining a better understanding of heat transfer within lime kilns, by both experiments and detailed modeling of heat transfer phenomena in the chain section. Experiments were conducted using a laboratory mockup of a rotating kiln to obtain convective heat transfer coefficient data for cooling of a steel rod in dry or wet lime mud. For moisture contents of 0% and 30%, the mud heat transfer coefficient was determined to be 170 and 320 W/m²°C, respectively. A 1-D, unsteady heat conduction model was used to predict the temperature variations of all the chain rings in the chain system and calculate the amount of heat transferred by each chain ring to the lime mud. A thermal model was then developed to predict the steady axial temperature profiles of lime mud, gas and kiln wall throughout a rotating lime kiln equipped with a typical chain system.