Simulating the mixing and segregation of solids in the transverse section of a rotating kiln

Rotating kilns are widely used in industry to process granular material. These processes include calcination of mineral ores, drying of foods and grains, combustion of wastes and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Since models developed for a particular process are often unique to that process there is a need to develop more generic models to predict the mixing and segregation in the transverse section of a rotary kiln. aper presents a mathematical simulation – based on experimental observations – to estimate the mixing rate, final extent of mixing and the final distribution of material due to segregation. The models used in the simulation allow for scale-up of processes to produce a simulation that is applicable to a broad range of industrial processes. Independent experiments were used to verify the simulation and it was found that the mixing rate, the final extent of mixedness and the final segregated state could be predicted to within acceptable errors.