Numerical analysis of an entire ceramic kiln under actual operating conditions for the energy efficiency improvement

The paper focuses on the analysis of an industrial ceramic kiln in order to improve the energy efficiency and thus the fuel consumption as well as the pollutant emissions. A lumped and distributed parameter model of the entire system is constructed to simulate the performance of the kiln under actual operating conditions. The model is able to predict accurately the temperature distribution along the different modules of the kiln and the operation of the many natural gas burners employed to provide the required thermal power. Furthermore, the temperature of the tiles is also simulated so that the quality of the final product can be addressed by the modelling. Numerical results are validated against experimental measurements carried out on a real ceramic kiln during regular production operations. The developed numerical model demonstrates to be an efficient tool for the investigation of different design solutions for the kiln’s components. In addition, a number of control strategies for the system working conditions can be simulated and compared in order to define the best trade off in terms of fuel consumption, emissions and product quality. In particular, the paper analyzes the effect of a new burner type characterized by internal heat recovery capability aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the ceramic kiln. The fuel saving and the relating reduction of carbon dioxide emissions resulted in the order of 10% when compared to the standard burner

Multi-phase and Multi-component CFD Analysis of a Load - Sensing Proportional Control Valve

The paper analyzes the flow through a directional control valve for load –sensing application by means of a multi-phase and multi-component CFD approach. Numerical modeling includes both cavitation and aeration; in particular, the Rayleigh-Plesset equation and the inertia controlled growth model for bubble formation are adopted. The effects of gas release and vapor formation as well as turbulence on the main valve metering characteristics are investigated. The results show a remarkable influence of the aeration phenomena on the recirculating zones downstream of the metering area and thus on the cavitation onset region

Ladder determinantal varieties and their symbolic blowups

In this article we show that the symbolic Rees algebra of a mixed ladder determinantal ideal is strongly $F$-regular. Furthermore, we prove that the symbolic associated graded algebra of a mixed ladder determinantal ideal is $F$-pure. The latter implies that mixed ladder determinantal rings are $F$-pure. We also show that ideals of the poset of minors of a generic matrix give rise to $F$-pure algebras with straightening law.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figure

A Combined Methodology for Studying the Axial Balancing Mechanism of Orbit Annular Hydraulic Machines

A customized combined methodology, based on both 2D CFD and lumped parameters numerical modeling, useful for simulating the hydraulic behavior of orbit annular machines, has been developed and here presented. More in details, the predictive capabilities of this CAE tool can be applied for the study of both roller and gerotor architectures and considering both pumping and motoring operating mode. First of all, a in-house developed 2D CFD methodology, based on the integration of the stationary form of the Reynolds equation for the determination of the pressure distribution inside the lateral clearances bounded by the sides of the stator-rotor group and the valve plate, as well as the internal manifold surface, is firstly presented and applied. The same computational procedure has been also involved for the investigation of the leakages through the clearance between the valve plate and the balancing ring. After that, a lumped and distributed parameters numerical model has been involved for the simulation of a typical orbit roller motor operation. In this case, particular care has been devoted to the modeling of the axial leakage clearances, adopting analytical interpolation functions deducted from the numerical results calculated applying the previously described 2D CFD methodology. Finally, the whole CAE approach has been validated by means of a comprehensive numerical vs. experimental comparison, obtaining a general good accordance for the overall operating field of this particular type of hydraulic unit