Analysis of a Thermal Oxidiser Systems’ Behaviour using Numerical Methods

Whittle, William (2018) Analysis of a Thermal Oxidiser Systems’ Behaviour using Numerical Methods. [USQ Project]


Abstract

The renewable energy industry, particularly the carbonisation of biomass, is relatively novel but is promptly becoming a recognised technique for the reduction of various waste materials. Pyrocal Pty Ltd, a leading company within this field, designs and installs this equipment. As part of Pyrocal Pty Ltd continuous carbonisation system, an emissions system – thermal oxidiser – is utilised to reduce volatile gases which are a by-product of this process. To continue to meet the needs of clientele and the market, it is necessary to make improvements to this technology – in particular the thermal oxidiser. The use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can assist in determining the behaviour due to various operating conditions.

The aims of this project were to investigate and analyse Pyrocal Pty Ltd current thermal oxidiser system to provide a method of controlling thermal expansion and baffle failure within the system. To achieve this FEA was used to investigate and analyse the behaviour of Pyrocal Pty Ltd current thermal oxidiser system. The results observed assisted in the design process, specifically for creating design specifications and evaluation criteria. Proposed designs were created utilising theory obtained from literature, and, the behaviour observed from the completed FEA of the current thermal oxidiser system. The feasibility of the proposed designs were evaluated with the use of FEA, evaluation criteria and design specifications. The most viable design was selected upon completion of the evaluation.

The selected proposed design met the project objectives and particularly allows for additional control of the behaviour of the thermal oxidiser system. Furthermore, the proposed design creates a universal thermal oxidiser design for Pyrocal Pty Ltd, which will fulfil varying clientele operational applications. The proposed design provides Pyrocal Pty Ltd with previously unknown information regarding the behaviour of the thermal oxidiser, and, presents a new approach to future thermal oxidiser design.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Additional Information: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Mossad, Ruth; Sullivan, Steve
Date Deposited: 05 Sep 2022 04:28
Last Modified: 05 Sep 2022 04:28
Uncontrolled Keywords: renewable energy; thermal oxidiser system; thermal expansion
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40760

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