Fossil-free combustion in grate-kiln pelletizing plants using co-jet burner
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f teknikvetenskap & matematik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 838 000 |
| Project duration | April 2022 - May 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Production in the mining and metal-producing industry |
Important results from the project
Yes, a simulation model for flow and hydrogen combustion in a rotary kiln using a co-jet burner has been developed, providing new insights into how the co-jet configuration affects mixing as well as jet and flame characteristics. The project resulted in a licentiate thesis, a pilot-scale concept ready for testing, and methodological improvements. It has also led to new collaborations in the areas of radiative heat transfer, ignition, and jet flow, as well as to a direct follow-up project.
Expected long term effects
The project paves the way for fossil-free iron ore pellet production through improved understanding of hydrogen combustion at an industrial scale. The results are now being applied in a follow-up pilot project with LKAB. The increased knowledge of flame stability and flow fields provides essential conditions for scaling up the technology and enabling implementation in full-scale operations.
Approach and implementation
LTU led the project, with a doctoral student conducting most of the work, supported by the project group through regular meetings. The method involved 2D and 3D numerical simulations of a co-jet burner under flow conditions representative of LKAB’s rotary kiln. The focus was on how different configurations affect flame stability and mixing in hydrogen combustion. The project resulted in a licentiate degree, several publications and presentations, and laid the foundation for a follow-up project.