Development of transfer chute design through Discrete Element Modelling for using Refused Derived fuel in Indian cement plants

Abstract

The Indian Cement Industry is on its path to achieve net-zero CO2 emission by 2070, for which alternative fuels have been identified as one of the levers. Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) has emerged as a potential alternative fuel; however, its use comes with technical challenges like transfer chute jamming. The study investigated the causes of chute jamming while handling RDF in an Indian cement plant and proclaimed the methods to overcome the same. The chute designing issues in handling RDF have not been addressed in the available literature, and this study provides parameters to design transfer chute satisfying the RDF handling challenges. Application of Discrete Element Modelling is suitable to simulate and analyze the current design issues and their improvement. It is observed that the physical & flow properties of RDF and its variation should be taken into consideration while designing the chute and the guidelines of available literature related to chute design parameters like chute cross-sectional area, width, inclination, exit opening, etc. are suitable for conventional bulk materials, but these need to be optimized for RDF.