Evolution of the temperature distribution of granular material in a horizontal rotating cylinder

Abstract

Accurate prediction of the particles’ temperature distribution and the time required to heat up the particles is important to maintain good quality products and economical processes for several industrial processes that involve thermal treatment. However, we do not have quantitative models to predict the average temperature or particles’ temperature distribution accurately. In this article, we carry out DEM simulations and compute the temporal and spatial evolution of the distribution of the particles’ temperature in rotating cylinders. We present typical examples for different particle properties and operating conditions. The temperature distribution follows what is referred to as a uniform distribution with well defined mean and standard deviation values. Our analysis of these statistical parameters can assist in the prediction of the time required to heat up granular materials and the design of efficient processes.