Parameters effect and optimization on calciner for treating magnesium salt based on computational fluid dynamics

The magnesium salt Mg(NO3)2·2H2O from laterite nickel ore nitric acid leaching process can be reused by thermal decomposition using calciner. To improve the performance of the calciner, a new numerical model integrating the gas-particle hydrodynamics and the particle pyrolysis reaction was established by Euler-Lagrange approach. In particular, the particle size variation caused by pyrolysis reaction was considered to accurately describe the gas-particle hydrodynamics. The particle pyrolysis model was developed to realize the interphase mass transfer. The P-1 model was modified to realize interphase radiation heat transfer. Then, the influence of different parameters on the thermal decomposition processes was discussed by using the established model. Finally, the optimal conditions for Mg(NO3)2·2H2O thermal decomposition were determined via response surface optimization analysis. The results show that the thermal decomposition of Mg(NO3)2·2H2O can be improved by increasing the initial hot gas temperature, reaction zone height, and decreasing treatment capacity of Mg(NO3)2·2H2O. The degree of influence of each parameter on thermal decomposition follows the order of initial hot gas temperature > treatment capacity of Mg(NO3)2·2H2O > reaction zone height. The decomposition rate of 99.99 % is obtained at optimized conditions of initial hot gas temperature 1111 K, Mg(NO3)2·2H2O treatment capacity 251 kg/h and reaction zone height 9 m.