Abstract
3D models of the 300 t/d Gas Full Circulation Retort are developed to investigate the flow behavior of oil shale particles in the retorting process using the discrete element method (DEM). The results show that the flow patterns of oil shale particles gradually change from horizontal to waved along the radius direction in the descending process due to the friction between particles and walls. The cumulative contact energies are mainly concentrated at the top of the center pillar and the bottom half of the three support structures. With the addition of the conical structure for gas-oil mixture gathering and the triangular structures for particle distribution, the oil shale particles distribute more uniformly in the retorting zones. The interaction force among particles decreases obviously under those added structures, which is conducive to the enhancing of the convective heat transfer between gas heat carrier and particles. And the cumulative contact energies on the center pillar and three support structures decrease obviously, which could decrease the abrasion of refractory brick structures of the retort.
NSTL