Development of a Fast Modeling Approach for the Prediction of Scrap Preheating in Continuously Charged Metallurgical Recycling Processes - MDPI
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metals Article Development of a Fast Modeling Approach for the Prediction of Scrap Preheating in Continuously Charged Metallurgical Recycling Processes Christian Schubert * , Dominik Büschgens , Moritz Eickhoff , Thomas Echterhof and Herbert Pfeifer Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; bueschgens@iob.rwth-aachen.de (D.B.); eickhoff@iob.rwth-aachen.de (M.E.); echterhof@iob.rwth-aachen.de (T.E.); pfeifer@iob.rwth-aachen.de (H.P.) * Correspondence: schubert@iob.rwth-aachen.de; Tel.: +49-24-1802-5959 Abstract: Improving the overall energy efficiency of processes is necessary to reduce costs, lower the specific energy consumption and thereby reduce the direct or indirect emission of gases that contribute to climate change. In many metallurgical processes, a large amount of energy is lost with the off-gas. In metallurgical recycling processes, off-gas often can be used to preheat the to-be-recycled metal scrap, leading to significantly higher energy efficiency. However, the application of preheating has the disadvantage that it often requires more precise planning in the design and better control of the process. In this paper, a simplified look at a continuously charged scrap preheating aggregate for the widely used electric arc furnace (EAF) in the steel processing industry is used as illustration. Continuous scrap charging in EAF-type furnaces in general has much higher demands on process control and general process knowledge, which is why they are found only very rarely. General issues and basic modeling approaches to mitigate such issues allowing a better process control Citation: Schubert, C.; Büschgens, D.; will be described. In particular, a fast, one-dimensional modeling approach for the determination Eickhoff, M.; Echterhof, T.; Pfeifer, H. Development of a Fast Modeling of the temperature distribution inside a constantly moving scrap bulk, with hot air (or exhaust Approach for the Prediction of Scrap gases) flowing through it, will be described. Possible modeling applications, assumptions, possible Preheating in Continuously Charged enhancements and limitations are shown. The first results indicate that this approach can be used as Metallurgical Recycling Processes. a solid basis for the modeling of scrap bulks with thermally thin parts, consisting of materials with Metals 2021, 11, 1280. https:// similar thermodynamic material properties. Therefore, as a basis, this approach may help improve doi.org/10.3390/met11081280 the design and control of future or existing preheating devices in metal recycling processes. Academic Editor: Emin Bayraktar Keywords: scrap preheating; electric arc furnace; continuous charging Received: 14 July 2021 Accepted: 9 August 2021 Published: 12 August 2021 1. Introduction Making better use of waste energy, usually in the form of heat, is necessary to increase Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in the energy efficiency of nearly every process. A large amount of such waste heat, for exam- published maps and institutional affil- ple, occurring in recycling metallurgical melting processes, is often lost within the off-gas. iations. Today, recycling processes are very important due to their overall better energy efficiency. To give an example, the steel production from recycled materials saves about 1.5 tons of CO2 per ton of steel, saving around 945 million tons of CO2 emissions per year [1], not to mention the significant damages to the environment induced by primary iron ore or coal mining. It is estimated that roughly 630 million tons of steel are produced from recycled Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. material every year, with increasing tendency [1]. The most relevant process for steel Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article recycling is the electric arc furnace process. Furthermore, with CO2 -neutral primary iron distributed under the terms and production processes such as direct reduced iron (DRI), the importance of the electric arc conditions of the Creative Commons furnace will continue to increase, as it is also required in this process chain. Therefore, Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// further improving its efficiency is very relevant to decrease the worldwide CO2 emissions; creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ it is also a good investment in the foreseeable future. In the EAF process, a large amount of 4.0/). the supplied energy (approximately 30% [2]) is lost within the off-gas, whose temperature Metals 2021, 11, 1280. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11081280 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/metals
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 2 of 20 ranges between 750 and 1200 ◦ C, depending on the process and point of measurement. According to Nardin et al. [2], there are many strategies for making better use of the waste energy especially in this kind of process. One strategy is clearly obvious, namely, to use the energy of the off-gas for preheating of the charged material, which can be assigned under direct heat recovery techniques. Thereby, the enthalpy of the charged material is increased, and the heat required for melting the scrap inside the metal bath is reduced. So why is this not the common practice by now? Of course, there are some drawbacks introduced by this approach which only can be surpassed via good process control. For example, according to Toulouevski and Zinorov [3], a maximum temperature between 1560 and 1580 ◦ C must be held inside the metal bath to prevent excessive refractory wear. This is only around 50 ◦ C above liquidus temperature. Furthermore, the heat transfer between molten metal and scrap is limited due to the low convection speeds inside the melt. Since the scrap cannot be homogeneously charged across the liquid bath and a continuous charging between the hot spot inside the melt, between the electrodes, is difficult from a constructive point of view, the temperature and mass flow rate of scrap that is charged must be strictly controlled. Additionally, the off-gas has to undergo some post combustion process to remove CO and lower NOx . A sensible approach is to split the off-gas between a scrap preheating device and another off-gas channel and bring them back together later for post combustion. Therefore, it is important that the mixed off-gas still has enough energy in combination with some mixed-in air that post-combustion is still possible. At least, it should still have enough energy, so that only little energy, for example, from a post combustion burner, must be added. Otherwise, scrap preheating would not be very effective. In addition, due to organic residues on the scrap, there are usually increased dioxin emissions when preheating techniques are applied [4,5]. The dioxin amount in the off-gas can be reduced, but to achieve this in a cost and energy efficient way, a relatively high temperature (above 850 ◦ C) has to be maintained in the post-combustion chamber, followed by a quick cooling step between 600 and 200 ◦ C to avoid reformation of dioxins [6]. To keep the described problems and the dynamic interactions between the individual problems under control, a significantly improved process control is required. Here, different modeling techniques can be used to better understand, plan and later better control those process interactions between preheating, off-gas temperature and bath temperature. There have been several publications of concepts, patents and other materials for continuous preheating concepts in the recent years [7–10]. In the latest literature, CFD mod- els and process models regarding the topic of scrap preheating can be found [11–15], but they either lack a detailed description of the model, the simplification level is too high (for example lacking a prediction of the temperature distribution in the bulk) or these approaches are too computationally intensive to be used to build online control models. Zhang and Oeters [16] described a similar modeling approach as in this paper, with the additional modeling of some chemical reactions, but for a different application. In this paper a basic, fast and also extensible 1D modeling approach for the preheating of flown through bulk material is described. As an example, for relevant application, a simplified view on a continuously charged EAF is presented. In particular, we refer to the so-called ISMELT® technology, recently developed by Inteco Inc. (Bruck an der Mur, Austria) [10], and use it as an illustrative example. In this paper, the modeling will focus on the prediction of the scrap preheating and the cooling of the off-gas. In the future, the model can be used to be coupled with more general EAF models, for example, as described by Hay et al. [17] to predict the overall modified process behavior. Furthermore, thanks to its simplicity and the implementation with the Julia programming language, with its powerful dispatch model [18,19], it is extensible, fast, versatile and may help to further develop suitable online control models. Description of the Modeled Process The illustrative process is shown in Figure 1. The scrap is charged into an inclined shaft with some sort of transportation support and control mechanism, for example, a shaking
Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, 1280 3 of 20 Description of the Modeled Process The illustrative process is shown in Figure 1. The scrap is charged into an inclined shaft with some sort of transportation support and control mechanism, for example, a floor, at the shaking sideatofthe floor, theside EAF. of The off-gas the EAF. canoff-gas The be controlled to be distributed can be controlled between the to be distributed be- shaft tweenandthethe usual shaft and EAF off-gas the usual EAF exhaust. As already off-gas exhaust. described, As already this is necessary, described, since this is necessary, the two since theoff-gas flows flows two off-gas will bewill mixed again again be mixed for post forcombustion of organic post combustion components of organic compo- and purification. nents and purification. Figure1.1.EAF Figure EAFoff-gas off-gaspreheating preheatingprinciple. principle. Although Althoughititisiscalled calledcontinuous continuousscrapscrapcharging, charging,thetheEAF EAFprocess processisisinherently inherentlyaabatchbatch process with multiple process phases. A continuously charged EAF process with multiple process phases. A continuously charged EAF process should be run process should be run in two phases [3]. First, the flat-bath melting phase, and second, the in two phases [3]. First, the flat-bath melting phase, and second, the refining phase. During refining phase. During the more theormore or less continuous less continuous flat-bathflat-bath meltingmelting phase, phase, the scraptheis scrap is continuously continuously charged charged into the into the residual residual melt remaining melt remaining from the from the previous previous tapping. tapping. DuringDuring the refining the refining phase, phase, the charging of scrap is stopped and the slag layer above the hot the charging of scrap is stopped and the slag layer above the hot melt is broken up by the melt is broken up nowbyactivated the now activated oxygen oxygen lances, lances, thus, thus, aamount a higher higher of amount thermal of thermal radiationradiation from thefrom melt the melt and electric arcs reaches the scrap in front of the shaft, and and electric arcs reaches the scrap in front of the shaft, and since charging is stopped, since charging the is stopped, the scrap bulk is standing still in the charging shaft. Therefore, there scrap bulk is standing still in the charging shaft. Therefore, there is a higher risk that par- is a higher risk tial that partial melting melting of scrap of scrap parts parts may may occur. This occur. This could block could potentially potentially scrap block charging scrap by charging by clumping or damaging the charging mechanism. To evaluate clumping or damaging the charging mechanism. To evaluate the possibility of such be- the possibility of such behavior, havior, simplifiedsimplified modeling modeling approachesapproaches for the for the two two under phases phasesthe under the following following assump- assumptions tions are used:are used: •• Flat-bath melting phase model (phase 1): Here, a continuous scrap flow to the melt is Flat-bath melting phase model (phase 1): Here, a continuous scrap flow to the melt is modeled. The off-gas temperature and flow rate is assumed to be constant. modeled. The off-gas temperature and flow rate is assumed to be constant. • Refining phase (phase 2): No off-gas or scrap flow through the shaking floor tunnel, • Refining phase (phase 2): No off-gas or scrap flow through the shaking floor tunnel, heat transfer inside the scrap bulk is mainly driven by surface to surface (s2s) radiation heat transfer inside the scrap bulk is mainly driven by surface to surface (s2s) radia- effects. tion effects. The flat-bath melting phase is assumed to last around 50 min, while the refining phase The flat-bath melting phase is assumed to last around 50 min, while the refining is assumed to last around 5 min. phase is assumed to last around 5 min. 2. Materials and Modeling Approach 2. Materials 2.1. Materials and Modeling Approach 2.1. Materials 2.1.1. Scrap 2.1.1.The Scrap assumption about size distribution and material properties of scrap material has great The influence on theabout assumption following investigations. size distribution and Therefore, the scrapofmaterial material properties is a main scrap material has interest for this study. great influence on theThere are different following implications investigations. of the scrap Therefore, material the scrap to theisprocess. material a main The mainfor interest influences of There this study. the scrap material to are different the processofbehavior implications the scrapare: material to the process. •The Scrap main influences composition of (steel the scrap material grades to the process and alloying behavior are: elements); •• Scrap contamination in terms of adherent organic Scrap composition (steel grades and alloying elements); materials; • Distribution of the geometrical characteristics of the scrap speaking of the mean scrap part thickness and the surface to volume ratio.
Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, 1280 • Scrap contamination in terms of adherent organic materials; 4 of 20 • Distribution of the geometrical characteristics of the scrap speaking of the mean scrap part thickness and the surface to volume ratio. All these All these unknowns unknownscan caninfluence influence thethe scrap preheating scrap preheatingtemperature, the off-gas temperature, com- the off-gas position or the pressure loss curve over the length of the preheating shaft. composition or the pressure loss curve over the length of the preheating shaft. The pressure The pressure loss over loss over the the length length of of the the shaft shaftisisvery veryimportant, important,because becauseititmust mustbebe compensated compensated forfor to define to a controlled define a controlledvolume volumeflow flowthrough throughthe theshaft. shaft. As As there there is no general is no general information information about the about the consistency consistency of of the the scrap scrap available, available, which which also also may may change change from from charge charge toto charge, charge, some simplifying assumptions will be used for now. Once, it is assumed that the scrapscrap some simplifying assumptions will be used for now. Once, it is assumed that the steel steel uniformly uniformly consistsconsists of steelof1.0035, steel 1.0035, withFe with a high a amount high Fe ofamount 99%, asofgiven 99%,byasthe given by the European European steel steel register register [20]. [20]. Theisdensity The density is given given with with a constant a constant value ofvalue 7850 kg/m 3 ; kg/m³; of 7850 the the other other properties properties are shown are shown in Figurein Figure 2. 2. Figure 2. Figure 2. Thermophysical Thermophysical properties properties of of steel steel 1.0035. 1.0035. Furthermore, Furthermore, itit is is assumed assumedthat thatthe thesmallest smallestpieces piecesofofscrap scrap will will have have thethe most most sig- signif- nificant influence on the pressure loss over the scrap itself. Therefore, three different icant influence on the pressure loss over the scrap itself. Therefore, three different charac- characteristic scrap sizes listed in Table 1 will be used for the further investigations. teristic scrap sizes listed in Table 1 will be used for the further investigations. Table 1. Different scrap classes. Table 1. Different scrap classes. Density in Dimensions Name Label Density in kg/m3 Dimensions Source Name Label (Length × Width × Thickness) in m Source kg/m³ (Length × Width × Thickness) in m Measurements from CNC Turning chips S1 500 Measurements from CNC scrap of our 0.25 × 0.03 × 0.001 Turning chips S1 500 0.25 × 0.03 × 0.001 scrap of our workshop workshop Rail crops scrap S2 1121 1.21 × 0.45 × 0.0127 Datasheet [21] Rail crops scrap S2 1121 1.21 × 0.45 × 0.0127 Datasheet [21] Plate Scrap Plate Scrap S3 S3 801 801 0.92 × 0.61 × 0.003175 0.92 × 0.61 × 0.003175 Datasheet [21] Datasheet [21] 2.1.2. 2.1.2. Off-Gas As As for for the the scrap, scrap, there there will will be be some some very very significant significant simplifications simplifications used used for for the the off- off- gas. The composition gas. The compositionwill willbe beassumed assumedwith witha a(constant) (constant)composition composition ofof 7070 vol.-% vol.-% N2N 2, , 10 10 vol.-CO and 20 vol.-% CO, as roughly approximated from the flat-bath vol.-CO2 and 20 vol.-% CO, as roughly approximated from the flat-bath melting phase of 2 melting phase of comparable comparable sizedEAF sized EAFprocesses. processes.TheThetemperature-dependent temperature-dependent material material properties properties were were calculated calculated with Cantera [22] using the GRI-Mech 3.0 thermodynamic mechanism set with Cantera [22] using the GRI-Mech 3.0 thermodynamic mechanism set [23]. [23]. The The properties properties areare shown shownininFigure Figure3.3.
Metals 2021,11, Metals2021, 11,1280 x FOR PEER REVIEW 55 of 20 20 Figure 3. Figure 3. Thermophysical Thermophysical properties propertiesof ofthe theoff-gas off-gas(70 (70vol.-% vol.-%N N22,, 10 10 vol.-% vol.-% CO CO22 and 20 vol.-% vol.-% CO). CO). 2.2. 2.2. Modeling Modeling Parameters Parameters AA crucial point crucial point for for the the model’s model’s predictive predictive power power is is the the appropriate appropriate choice choiceof of different different model parameters, such as characteristic surface areas or characteristic lengths. model parameters, such as characteristic surface areas or characteristic lengths. These These pa- parameters are roughly estimated within this work, as can be seen in Table 2, but rameters are roughly estimated within this work, as can be seen in Table 2, but could also could also be more be more exactly exactly defined defined using using moremore detailed detailed investigations investigations or automated or automated modeling modeling opti- optimizing techniques, when combined with real operation mizing techniques, when combined with real operation data. data. Table2.2.Operating Table Operatingdata datafor formodeled modeledscrap scrapbulk bulkshaft. shaft. Property Property Value UnitValue Unit Input Input temperature temperature scrap scrap 25 °C 25 ◦C Mass Mass flow flow scrap scrap 38.6 kg/s 38.6 kg/s Mass Massflow off-gas flow (through off-gas scrap (through bulk) scrap bulk) 6.64 kg/s 6.64 kg/s Floor length Floor length 8 m 8 m Floor cross Floor section cross area section area 2.9 × 3.2 m² 2.9 × 3.2 m2 2.3. 2.3. Modeling Modeling Approach Approach The The model model is is essentially essentially developed developed combining combining two two or or three three one-dimensional one-dimensional energy energy transports models, namely, over the fluid phase, over the solid transports models, namely, over the fluid phase, over the solid bulk phase and optionally bulk phase and optionally over over thethe individual individual scrapscrap part’s part’s thickness. thickness. The The implementation implementation itself itself is is carried carriedout outusing using the the Julia Juliaprogramming programminglanguage language (ver. (ver.1.6) [18], 1.6) it can [18], be accessed it can be accessed in the in Supplementary the Supplementary File S1. FileThe S1. model, The model, furthermore, furthermore, is derived using is derived a fixed using grid grid a fixed enthalpy-based, enthalpy-based, energy balance energy bal- modeling approach, including the capability to include temperature ance modeling approach, including the capability to include temperature dependent ma- dependent material properties of the off-gas terial properties and the of the off-gas scrap and the material. scrap material. Therefore, Therefore, the shaking floor tunnel is the shaking floor tunnel is virtually virtually divided divided into into separate separate cross cross section section layers layers (bulk layers), perpendicular to flow or scrap movement, as can be seen in (bulk layers), perpendicular to flow or scrap movement, as can be seen in Figure Figure 4. 4. Each Each layer layer in in this this discretized discretized bulkbulk volume volume is is then then again again divided divided into into one one off-gas off-gascell celland and to n j multiple 11 to multiplescrap scraplayer layer cells, cells, which which can be seen can be seen in in Figure Figure5.5.TheseThesescrapscraplayer layercells, cells,if ifmore more than one is used, will model the heat conduction in an than one is used, will model the heat conduction in an exemplary scrap piece of the exemplary scrap piece of the bulk at the position i. Considering the thickness of the scrap bulk at the position . Considering the thickness of the scrap parts may be relevant if they parts may be relevant ifare they are thermally thermally thick,usually thick, which which usually is the case is the if the case Biotifnumber the Biot , number Equation Bi, Equation (1), (1), is greater is greater than 0.1. Here, α is the heat than 0.1. Here, is the heat transfer coefficient, transfer coefficient, l is the characteristic thickness char characteristic thickness of the is the of the material and λs its thermal conductivity. Here, this approach also allows for some material and its thermal conductivity. Here, this approach also allows for some op- optional approximation of the thermal distribution inside the scrap, under the assumption tional approximation of the thermal distribution inside the scrap, under the assumption that the scrap parts can be sufficiently characterized using one characteristic thickness that the scrap parts can be sufficiently characterized using one characteristic thickness and
Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, 1280 6 of 20 a representative surface. Therefore, this approach may also be referred to as the 1D(–1D) model. a representative surface. Therefore, this approach may also be referred to as the 1D(–1D) andmodel. a representative surface. Therefore, this approach may also be referred to as the ⋅ 1D(–1D) model. = ⋅ (1) α·= lchar (1) Bi = (1) Following the notation in Figure 5, in the following λs text the cells in the th direction will be referred Following to as bulkthe notation layer cells in Figure and the 5,inin th cells thedirection followingastext thelayer scrap cellscells. th direction in theEach Following the notation in Figure 5, in the following text the cells in the ith direction direction will be referred to as bulk layer cells and the cells in th direction as scrap layer cells. Each willisbediscretized using referred to homogeneous as bulk layer cells cell andsizes. the cells in jth direction as scrap layer cells. direction is discretized using homogeneous cell sizes. Each direction is discretized using homogeneous cell sizes. FigureFigure 4. Illustration of firstof 4. Illustration discretization step. step. first discretization Figure 4. Illustration of first discretization step. Figure 5. Modeling scheme of the 1D(–1D) model. Figure 5. Modeling scheme ofModeling Figure 5. the 1D(–1D) model. scheme of the 1D(–1D) model. In this model mass flow, convective, conductive and radiative heat transfer are ex- pressed asIn In this this model incremental modelmass changes mass inflow, flow, convective, convective, the cell’s conductive conductive enthalpy, andand as isobaric radiative radiative process heatheat transfer transfer conditions canare are ex- ex- be assumed for this case. For the solver implementation, a d ⁄d formation is used, be can pressed pressed as as incremental incremental changes changes in thein the cell’s cell’s enthalpy, enthalpy, as as isobaricisobaric process process conditions conditions can whichassumed is spatiallyfordiscretized, be assumed this case. for this For the tocase. solver For the transform implementation, thesolver a dT/dt implementation, PDE system into an ODE d ⁄d isformation formation a system. used, The which “Dif- is is used, spatially which discretized, is spatially to transform discretized, the to PDE system transform the into PDE an ODE system ferentialEquations.jl” solver package [24] will be used for the solution of the resulting system. into an The ODE “DifferentialE- system. The “Dif- quations.jl” solver ferentialEquations.jl”package [24] solver will be package used for [24] the will solution be used ODE system. For simplicity, the expressions will be written as change in enthalpy Δ , of for the theresulting solution ODE of system. the resulting For ODE simplicity, system. theForexpressions simplicity, will beexpressions written as will theequations. change in enthalpy be written ∆H, which as change should Δ , in enthalpy which should facilitate the reading of the facilitate which the reading should of the the facilitate equations. reading of the equations. For example, the change in enthalpy, during a defined timestep Δ of the off-gas ∆t of the off-gas mass .flow Δ using For For example, example, the change in enthalpy, duringduring a defined timesteptimestep (fluid (fluid ) in each cell , Δ , thecan change in enthalpy, be expressed a defined due to the off-gas of the off-gas f ) in(fluid ) each cell i, in ∆H each i, f cell , Δ , can be expressed due to the off-gas can be expressed due to the off-gas mass flow m f mass flow (2). using Equation using Equation (2). is the true heat capacity. c p isEquation the true heat (2). capacity. is the true heat capacity. Z T . f ,i ∆Hi, f = m f · ∆t c p, f dT (2) T f ,i−1
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 7 of 20 In the same way, it is possible to account for the scrap movement; as for the numer- ical approximation, it is sensible to use upwind approaches according to the movement direction the evaluation direction is flipped for the scrap cells (see Equation (3)). Z T . s,i +1 ∆Hi,s = ms · ∆t c p,s dT (3) Ts,i Furthermore, the enthalpy change due to heat transfer between all the scrap cells can be expressed within the i- and j-direction. The different heat transfer mechanisms are heat conduction within the scrap parts, heat conduction within contact areas between the scrap parts, convection between scrap and air and thermal radiation heat transport from the furnace side to the scrap and between individual scrap parts. 2.3.1. Modeling Simplifications The current implementation of the model comes in hand with some simplifying assumptions; these assumptions are presented for better comprehensibility of the model: • Scrap consisting of small flat stripes of metal with a characteristic thickness (which should translate to the fact that they have only one direction where thermal conduction will matter the most) and a representative surface area; • All scrap parts are composed of the same material; • Scrap pieces are shaped approximately equal and distributed evenly over the scrap bulk; • The scrap bulk has uniform scrap thicknesses and constant surface to volume ratio; • There is a uniform scrap movement in direction of the shaking floor; • Neglection of gas radiation (the usual distance between different parts) is estimated to be in between 1 and 15 cm, and the gray gas emissivity for the given gas composition (over a temperature range from 300 K to 1500 K at 1 atm) varies between 0.01 and 0.08, calculated according to Alberti et al. [25]; therefore, its influence will be neglected for now); • The emissivity of all surfaces (scrap and furnace walls) will be assumed to be 0.8; • Assuming temperatures listed in Table 3 for modeling of scrap bulk incident radiation for the refining phase (2); • Neglecting dissipation and compressible pressure effects in the off-gas flow; • Constant gas composition over whole process time; • Constant heat transfer coefficient between scrap and off-gas over the length of the shaft; • Symmetry assumption over the individual scrap part’s thicknesses; • Neglecting the contact of scrap with the surrounding walls; • No modeling of thermal conduction between the individual scrap parts in the bulk (convective and/or radiative heating is assumed to dominate the heat distribution of the scrap bulk); • Homogeneous temperature and mass flow of the off-gas in each bulk layer cell. 2.3.2. Heat Conduction over Characteristic Scrap Thickness First, the heat transfer through heat conduction in an individual (representative scrap piece), as shown in the lower part of Figure 5, will be modeled. The heat conduction term over the characteristic thickness of the scrap piece can be described using Equation (4). Here, ∆ys is the thickness of each scrap cell (index s) in j-direction, Ay,s is the characteristic cross section surface of a scrap piece, normal to the main heat conduction direction. λy,s Ti,j,s ∆Hi,j,s = ∆t · · Ay,s · Ti,j+1,s + 2 Ti,j,s − Ti,j−1,s (4) ∆ys 2.3.3. Heat Conduction in the Off-Gas Accordingly, the off-gas conduction in i direction can be modeled using Equation (5), which may become relevant for very low off-gas flow rates. ∆x f is the length of the fluid
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 8 of 20 cells (index f ) in i-direction; in the current approach, the fluid and solid cells are overlaying each other, and ∆x f is equal to ∆xs . λ x, f Ti,j, f ∆Hi,j, f = ∆t · · A f · Ti+1, f + 2 Ti, f − Ti−1, f (5) ∆x f However, it its more difficult to come up with a simple model for the conductive heat transfer between the individual pieces and its resulting heat conduction contribution in i direction over the scrap bulk. 2.3.4. Convective Heat Exchange between Scrap and Off-Gas The energy transfer between the off-gas (fluid) and scrap (solid) models is realized using Equation (6). To also model the heat transfer in the case of no off-gas flow, a minimum value of α f s of 10 W/(m2 K) should be used. Using Equation (6), the change in the solid cell enthalpy through convective heat transfer is calculated as the product of heat transfer coefficient α f s the scrap surface A f s and the difference between scrap Ts and fluid (off-gas) T f temperature. δQi, f s = ∆t · α f s · A f s · Ti, f − Ti,1,s (6) Here, the interfacial scrap surface A f s can be related to a hypothetical inter-facial area density SA : Vb , which represents the ratio of scrap surface m2 to scrap volume in m3 in the bulk, and A f s = SA : Vb · Vf s , SA : Vb can be calculated using the dimensions (distribution) of the scrap pieces, the summed overlapping contact area of the scrap pieces in m2 per m3 and the density of the scrap bulk itself. 2.3.5. Balancing The modeling of the radiation phenomena onto δQrad,i, f ront and inside δQrad,i,cross the scrap bulk is described in a separate section below. Based on the summed balance of the different heat Q and enthalpy H changes, gen- erally termed ∆H, the new temperature of each cell can be calculated, using the inverse function T ( H ) of the enthalpy curve H ( T ) of the given material, resulting in Equation (7). Here, H (t) is the specific enthalpy of a cell at time t and mi,( j) is the mass of the cell. ! ∑ ∆H Tt+∆t = T H (t) + (7) mi,( j) 2.3.6. Radiation Modeling—Bulk Incident Radiation During the flat-bath melting phase (phase 1), it will be assumed that the off-gas is very dusty and gas radiation dominates, so Equation (8) is used to calculate the radiative heat transfer from the EAF environment to the front of the scrap bulk. Here, As, f ront is the surface of the inclined front (Figure 6), with 16.4 m2 and es is the emissivity of the scrap. This equation is then completed by introducing Equation (14), which takes the possible radiation transmittance of the first layer(s) into account. . Qi,rad,EAF = σ · es · As, f ront · Ti4 − T∞, 4 EAF (8)
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 9 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 20 Figure6.6.Discretized Figure Discretizedgeometry geometryused usedfor forview viewfactor factorcalculation. calculation. . Table 3. Temperatures for the calculation of Qrad,EAF during phase 2 (geometry is shown in Figure 6). Table 3. Temperatures for the calculation of , during phase 2 (geometry is shown in Fig- ure 6) Color Red Blue Cyan Orange Gray Colorin ◦ C Temperature Red Modeled Blue 1500 Cyan 4500 Orange 1650 Gray 900 Temperature in °C Modeled 1500 4500 1650 900 During the refining phase of the exemplary process, thermal surface to surface radia- tion effects Duringwill thebecome refining thephase most important of the exemplarymechanisms process,between thermalthesurface individual scrap parts to surface radi- inside and onto ation effects willthe scrapthe become bulk. mostGas radiationmechanisms important effects, on the other the between hand, will be negligible individual scrap parts (in the bulk inside itself), and onto thesince scrapthe radiation bulk. distances Gas radiation between effects, theother on the individual partsbeare hand, will small and negligible (in the theoverall heat since bulk itself), capacitythe of the off-gas radiation is lowbetween distances compared thetoindividual the scrap’s heatare parts capacity. small and the In particular, overall heat capacity during the second of the off-gas is low(refining) comparedphase of the heat to the scrap’s exemplary capacity.continuously charged In EAF process, particular, wherethe during the second scrap charging (refining)andphase the off-gas of thesuction exemplarythrough the shak- continuously ing charged EAF process, where the scrap charging and the off-gas suction through the bulk floor tunnel will be stopped, thermal radiation effects onto and inside the scrap shak- will ing become highly floor tunnel willrelevant for the be stopped, thermal thermal distribution radiation inside effects ontotheandscrap insidebulk. the Therefore, scrap bulk the willfurnace’s become scrap highlybulk temperature relevant in front distribution for the thermal of the shaking floorthe inside may risebulk. scrap a lot more due Therefore, to the incident thermal radiation. the furnace’s scrap bulk temperature in front of the shaking floor may rise a lot more due Toincident to the describethermal these radiation radiation. effects to the front of the scrap bulk, the surface to surface (s2s) approach is used. According To describe these radiation effects to Hottel or Howel to the front of[26,27], the scrapthe heat bulk,flow betweentothermal the surface surface radiating surfaces to a special surface i can be (s2s) approach is used. According to Hottel or Howel [26,27], computed by Equation the heat(9), which flow represent, between ther- . 00 the maldifference radiating between surfaces to thea in- and surface special outgoing heat can befluxes q multiplied computed by Equationwith(9), thewhich radiation rep- exchange resent, the surface area A difference i of a surface between the in-i. and outgoing heat fluxes ′′ multiplied with the radiation exchange surface area . of a. 00surface. 00 . Qi = qout,i − qin,i · Ai (9) = , − , ⋅ (9) The Theoutgoing outgoingheat heatflux fluxcan canbebeevaluated evaluatedsolving solvingthe thefollowing followinglinear linearequation equationsystem system (10), if the geometry specific view factors F of the N surfaces are (10), if the geometry specific view factors ik of the surfaces are known.known. " # N h. i h i ∑ 00 4 ( e −( 1− 1)ik⋅ ik+ ⋅out,i ) · F + δ · q , =i i = e σ T (10) (10) k Tothen To thencalculate calculatethe thesurface surfaceincident incidentheat fluxq. 00 , Equation heatflux , Equation(11) (11)can canbebeused. used. in,i N . 00 , = . 00 ⋅ (11) qin,i = ∑ qout,k ·, Fik (11) k =1 Using this approach, the heat flow . , (Figure 4) to an area representing the Using this approach, the heat flow Q front surface of the scrap bulk is calculated (Figure to include the rad,EAF 4)furnace to an area representing incident theeffects radiation front surface of the scrap bulk is calculated to include the furnace incident radiation effects inside the model. Therefore, the view factor matrix was calculated using an in-house ra- inside diation model. The geometry for the view factor calculation is shown in Figure 6.
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 10 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 20 the model. Therefore, the view factor matrix was calculated using an in-house radiation model. The geometry for the view factor calculation is shown in Figure 6. Forthe For thedifferently differentlycolored coloredfaces, faces,the thetemperatures temperaturesgivengivenininTable Table33were wereassumed. assumed. Here, especially the assumed arc temperature (cyan) can vary a lot Here, especially the assumed arc temperature (cyan) can vary a lot between different between different mod- models ( scrap parts, scrap (b)(b) parts, cell size cell size ≈ scrap parts, (c) cell size
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 11 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 20 represent the not self-seen proportion of the surfaces. Furthermore, c may also cover for the fact thatscrap individual through the in pieces structure of the the bulk, radiation instead surfaces of the of the ideal individual scrapbecause must be used, pieces in of the bulk, e ef f instead the cavity formation of the ideal e must be used, because of the cavity formation of the scrap pieces in the individual cells. Depending on the size of and the scrap shapepieces in the individual distribution cells. Depending of the individual scrap parts,on the willsize not and shape distribution be independent of the of the chosen individual scrap parts, c will not be independent of the chosen cell size. Since there is no cell size. Since there is no real knowledge of the quantity of this factor at the moment, a real knowledge of the quantity of this factor at the moment, a factor c of 0.5 will be used. factor of 0.5 will be used. , i = c=· 0.5 Arad,layer ⋅ 0.5 · SA⋅ : : Vb · V⋅ f s (12) (12) In this In this paper paper there, there, is is no no deep deep dive dive into into the the topic topic of of how how oneone could could practically practically deter- deter- mine the mine factor c. .For the factor Fornow, now,this thisfactor factorshould shouldbe be looked looked at at as as aa kind kind of of optimization optimization factor, factor, which later which later could could be be adapted adapted using real process data or adapted within sensitivity studies. If there If there are are different differentscrapscrapparts partswithwithdifferent values differentc values inside inside thethe bulk, bulk, thisthis model model could could in in general be extended to a 2D or 3D model type, where influences general be extended to a 2D or 3D model type, where influences of the composition could of the composition could also bealso be investigated. investigated. potentially radiation-blocking surface of each cell layer i, , which Having the potentially which is is the the same for same for each each cell, cell, a constant surface to volume area ratio and a constant cell size is used; there is there is aa need need for for aa model model to to estimate estimate thethe penetration penetration of of thermal thermal radiation radiation through through the the individualcell individual celllayers. layers.Therefore, Therefore,aasub submodel, model,where where the the blocking blocking surfaces surfaces of of thethe individ- individual scrap pieces ual scrap in each pieces cell over in each the cross-section cell over the cross-sectionarea area of the ofshaft are kind the shaft of unrolled are kind into of unrolled one into dimension one dimension (see Figure 8a) has (see Figure 8a)been developed. has been developed. Furthermore, Furthermore, it is assumed it is assumed that that the scrap pieces the scrap are equally pieces distributed are equally over over distributed the cross-section the cross-sectionarea, area, but thebutdistance between the distance be- the tweenindividual pieces pieces the individual is allowed to varytorandomly is allowed vary randomlyin between thosethose in between equally distributed equally distrib- positions. uted positions.If completely If completely random random positions of of positions thetheindividual individualpieces pieceswould wouldbe bepossible, possible, dysfunctional scrap bulks would be part of consideration; for example, dysfunctional scrap bulks would be part of consideration; for example, convectional heating convectional heating would not would worknot as work as intended. intended. Due to the Due to the symmetry symmetry effects in effects such a in such athis system, system, this is is similar to similar to modeling two randomly positioned accumulated scrap modeling two randomly positioned accumulated scrap piece areas against each other (Figure piece areas against each other (Figure 8b). Then, the 8b). Then, the intersection intersection areas areas (green lines (green 8) in Figure lines in Figure between 8) between the two layers forthemany two layers (10,000for and many more) (10,000 randomlyand varied more) randomly positions canvaried positions can be calculated. be calculated. Figure 8. Exemplary Figure 8. Exemplaryrepresentations representationsfor forthe therandomized randomizedoverlap overlapcalculation (a)(a) calculation using eight using individual eight individ- ual scrap scrap pieces, pieces, (b) using (b) using one.one. Using this method, the overlapping factor o f ac for foreach eachoccupation occupation fraction fraction cancan be be calculated, calculated, which which isis the the fraction fraction of of the the occupied occupied shaft shaft cross-section by A area by cross-section area rad ,, shown shown in in Figure Figure 9a. 9a. Due Due toto the the fact fact that that no no completely completely random random movement movement forfor the the individual individual pieces pieces has been set, the function deviates from a line with a slope of 1, where the average has been set, the function deviates from a line with a slope of 1, where the average overlapping overlapping factor factor would would bebe equal equal to to the the average average occupation occupation fraction. fraction.
Metals 2021, 11, 1280 12 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 20 Figure 9. Figure Calculated occupation fractions (a) and amount of “seen” surface between a cell i and 9. Calculated andits its neighboring cell neighboring cell ζ (b). (b). Now, with this overlapping factor, the mean amount of surface, which can be seen Now, with this overlapping factor, the mean amount of surface, which can be seen between different cell layers ζ, can be calculated using the Equation (13), in the following between different cell layers , can be calculated using the Equation (13), in the following referred to as bζ . Here, bζ is used as an array of values indexed according to ζ. ζ is a relative referred to as . Here, is used as an array of values indexed according to . is a coordinate system between a cell i and its neighboring cell(s). This means that ζ = 0 refers relative coordinate system between a cell and its neighboring cell(s). This means that to a cell itself and ζ = 1 refers to the exchange with the closest neighboring cell and so on. = 0 refers to a cell itself and = 1 refers to the exchange with the closest neighboring cell and so on. ζ=0: 1 = 0: ζ= 1 1 : o f acζ (13) ζ > 1 : = 1: 1 − o f ac · o f ac (13) The results are shown in Figure 1: 9b.1 From − this ⋅ figure, it is seen that different oc- cupation fractions may require a different amount of considered neighboring cells to The results accurately are shown calculate in Figure the thermal 9b. From radiation this figure, exchange it is seen between that different the individual celloccupa- layers. tion fractions may require a different amount of considered In this modeling approach, the exchange between an amount of k neighboring layer neighboring cells to accurately cells calculate the thermal radiation exchange between the individual is considered, where the amount of relative seen surfaces between i and i ± k is greater cell layers. In this mod- eling0.1%. than approach, the exchange Of course, this is abetween an amount ofwhich gross simplification, neighboring also worsens layerwith cellsincreasing is consid- ered, where the amount of relative seen surfaces between ∆x, because the calculated overlapping only directly correlates to radiation exchangethan and is greater for 0.1%. Of course, infinitely this is a gross small distances, but itsimplification, also is a fast and which also worsens approach, easy-to-calculate with increasingwhichΔ , in thebe- cause the calculated overlapping only directly correlates to radiation future also could be extended with additional optimization parameters to better fit reality. exchange for infi- nitely small Using distances, the calculatedbut it also is bζ values, a fast and a modified easy-to-calculate version bζ∗ were the entryapproach, for thewhich in the layer index ζfuture = 1 ofalso could bζ is be extended removed. Then, thewithrestructured additional optimization bζ∗ must be indexed parameters to better according to fit ζ =reality. i − 1. ∗ Using the calculated values, a modified version The surface-to-surface radiation heat flow for the first k cells of the bulk, going from the layer were the entry for the EAF ∗ indexcan side, =be1calculated of is removed. Then, the(9)–(11). using the Equations restructuredUsing the must be indexed modification, aforementioned according to =result the − 1.according to bζ∗ (see Equation The surface-to-surface radiation (14))heat can flow for the first be evaluated. This procedure cells of theisbulk, going physically not fromcompletely correct, the EAF side, canasbeeach cell layer calculated i of the using first k cells(9)–(11). the Equations is simplified Usingasthe being on the aforemen- ∗ includingtoits corresponding front tioned layer of the bulkthe modification, (Figure result6),according (14)) can beTevaluated. (see Equationtemperature i , but it should This procedure is physically not completely correct, as each cell layer of the first cells is be sufficiently accurate. simplified as being on the front layer . ∗ of the bulk (Figure . 6), including its corresponding temperature , but it should 0≤i< beksufficiently = bi∗ · Qi,rad,EAF ( Ti ) : Qi,rad,EAF accurate. . ∗ (14) i ≥ k : Q∗ i,rad,EAF = ∗0 0 : , , = ⋅ , , ( ) (14) To obtain the overall radiation heat ∗, ,between : transfer = 0 a cell i and its k surrounding cells, an energy balance considering all cells within a certain range index range k must To obtain the be established, overall which againradiation marks the heatrange transferafterbetween which aallcell and its outgoing surrounding radiation from a cells, an energy balance considering all cells within a radiating cell should be absorbed. Therefore, Equation (15) has been derived. certain range index range Here, the must c factor is considered within Arad , which, according to the assumptions, is the same for eacha be established, which again marks the range after which all outgoing radiation from radiating cell should be absorbed. Therefore, Equation (15) has been derived. Here, the
Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 20 Metals 2021, 11, 1280 13 of 20 factor is considered within , which, according to the assumptions, is the same for each cell . Furthermore, a modified equation for the heat transfer between two parallel equally cell i.surfaces, sized Furthermore, a modified modified with the equation factor for, which the heatwas transfer between introduced intwo the parallel previousequally sec- sized surfaces, modified tions, is used with = | − |.with the factor b ζ , which was introduced in the previous sections, is used with ζ = |i − γ|. − − . , , = ⋅ ⋅ i −1 ⋅ Tγ4 − Ti4 +i+k ⋅ Tγ4 − Ti4 (15) Qi,rad,cross = σ · Arad · ∑ bζ · 1 1 +1 1 −+1 ∑ bζ · 1 1 +1 1 − 1 (15) γ =i − k es,i +, es,γ − , 1 γ = i +1 es,i + ,− 1 , es,γ Altogether, these equations should allow a decent modeling of the radiative trans- Altogether, these equations should allow a decent modeling of the radiative trans- ported heat inside the scrap bulk for higher temperature ranges. Unfortunately, one must ported heat inside the scrap bulk for higher temperature ranges. Unfortunately, one must estimate the mesh specific coefficient in a certain range. estimate the mesh specific coefficient c in a certain range. 3.3. Results Results 3.1. Model 3.1. ModelSensitivity Sensitivitytoto Different DifferentScrap ScrapTypes Types First, some First, some results forfor results three hypothetical three hypothetical scrap bulks scrap consisting bulks consisting of different classes of different of classes scrap (see Table 1) are shown. In Figure 10, the predicted preheating of scrap (see Table 1) are shown. In Figure 10, the predicted preheating temperature of temperature of the scrap (Figure the scrap 10a) and (Figure 10a)off-gas outletoutlet and off-gas temperature temperature(Figure 10b) development (Figure 10b) development over time overcan time becan be In seen. seen. FigureIn Figure 10a, the10a, the resulting resulting scrap temperature scrap temperature does notdoes differnot verydiffer muchvery much (devia- (deviation tion aroundaround 20 K), 20 K), although although the scrap the scrap characteristics characteristics deferdefer in the in the range range of of usual usual scrap scrap parts.Furthermore, parts. Furthermore, asas the the outlet outlet temperature temperature ofof the the off-gas off-gas is isclose closetotothe thecharged chargedscrap scrap temperature(Figure temperature (Figure10b), 10b),nearly nearlyallallenergy energyisistransferred transferredfrom fromthe theoff-gas off-gastotothe thescrap. scrap. (a) (b) Figure 10.10. Figure Simulated preheating Simulated preheatingtemperature of scrap temperature (a) (a) of scrap andand off-gas outlet off-gas temperature outlet (b) over temperature (b) over process process time of phase 1 for the different characteristic scrap parts S1, S2 and S3 (see Table1). time of phase 1 for the different characteristic scrap parts S1, S2 and S3 (see Table 1). As it can be seen from Figure 10a, the scrap preheating temperature difference reduces As it can be seen from Figure 10a, the scrap preheating temperature difference re- over time of phase 1 under constant process conditions, which also applies to the spatial duces over time of phase 1 under constant process conditions, which also applies to the temperature distribution inside the bulk (see Figure 11a,b). From here on, the scrap type S3 spatial temperature distribution inside the bulk (see Figure 11a,b). From here on, the scrap is used for further investigations. type S3 is used for further investigations.
Metals Metals 11,11, 2021, 2021, 1280 PEER REVIEW x FOR 14 14 of of 2020 Metals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 20 (a) (a) (b) (b) Figure 11. Figure Figure Simulated 11. 11. Simulatedtemperature Simulatedtemperaturedistribution temperaturedistributionover distributionoverthe over scrap the the scrapbulk scrap bulkafter bulk after(a) after (a)555and (a) and(b) and (b)50 (b) 50min. 50 min. min. 3.2. Mesh 3.2. Size ImplicationsononthetheModeledModeled Process 3.2.Mesh MeshSize SizeImplications Implications on the ModeledProcess Process InFigure InIn Figure12, 12,the theeffect effectofofthethechosen chosenmesh mesh sizeononthethetemperature temperaturedistribution distributionover over the shaftFigure length12,isthe effecttoofbe shown the chosen very meshsize pronounced. sizeThere on theare temperature mainly twodistribution reasons forover that. the the shaft shaft length length isisshown showntotobe bevery verypronounced. pronounced. There are aremainly Thereregarding mainly two tworeasons reasons for forthat. that. TheThe first first is isisthethe numerical convergence of the model mesh size (convection, The gas first thenumerical conduction) numerical and the convergence convergence second is that ofofthe the themodel modelregarding radiative regarding heat mesh transport mesh is size size(convection, (convection, physically gas gas influenced conduction) conduction) and and the the second second isisthat that the the radiative radiative heat heat transport transport isisphysically physically influenced influenced by by thebymesh the meshsize, size, which which basically basically isisdue istodue the to the geometry geometry reduction reduction toto1D. to 1D. The The numerical numerical error the mesh size, which basically due to the geometry reduction error of the convection modeling is amplified by the fact that there is no heat conduc- 1D. The numerical error ofofthe theconvection convection modeling modelingis isamplified amplified by bythe thefact that thatthere factscrap there isisnono heat conduction heatparts, conduction model model tion model implemented over the length of the for the scrap therefore, the implemented implemented over over the the length length of of the the scrap scrap for forthe the scrap scrap parts, parts, therefore, therefore, the the heat heat conduc- conduc- heat conduction in x direction is theoretical infinite in each scrap cell and 0 between the tion tion inin direction directionisistheoretical theoreticalinfinite infiniteinineach eachscrap scrapcell celland and00between betweenthethescrap scrapcells. cells. scrap cells. Figure Figure12. Figure 12.Simulated 12. Simulated Simulated scrap scrap scrap bulk bulk bulk (S3) (S3)temperature (S3) temperature temperature and andoff-gas and off-gastemperature off-gas temperatureover temperature overthe over thelength the lengthofof length ofthe the the shaft for shaftfor shaft different fordifferentcell differentcellsizes cellsizesafter sizesafter50 after50min; 50min; dotted min;dotted = scrap dotted ==scraptemperature, scraptemperature, solid temperature,solid = off-gas solid==off-gas temperature. off-gastemperature. temperature. AsAs the heat heat conduction ininand between the the scrap partsparts should not benotthe main transport Asthe mechanism,the heat at conduction conduction least for the inand exemplaryandbetween between modeled the scrap scrapthe process, parts should shoulderror modeling notbe the themain bethis in main regard transport transport mechanism, mechanism, atatleast leastfor for the the exemplary exemplary modeled modeled process, process, the the modeling modeling error error inin should this regard beshould acceptable, be if enough acceptable, if cells to cells enough significantly to reducereduce significantly the numerical the error error numerical of the this regard should convective modelingbe acceptable, are are used. ifInenough Figure cells 13, to significantly the difference reduce between thethe numerical modelusing error using ofofthe convective the convective modeling modeling used. In Figure 13, the difference between the model radiation modeling and noare used. Inmodeling radiation Figure 13,usedthe difference in the modelbetween is shownthe model at the endusing of radiation radiation modeling modeling and and no no radiation radiation modeling modeling used used ininthe themodel model isisshown shown atatthe the end end ofof the two different phases. As expected, the influence of thermal radiation, especially in the the thetwo two different phases. As Asexpected, the influence ofofthermal radiation, especially ininthe front ofdifferent the bulk,phases. expected, are non-negligible inthe influence phase 2, while thermal for phaseradiation, especially 1, the influence the especially front front of ofthe the bulk, bulk, are are non-negligible non-negligible in inphase phase 2,2,while while for for phase phase 1, 1, the the influence influence especially especially in the main part of the bulk is very small. ininthe themain mainpart partofofthe thebulk bulkisisvery verysmall. small.
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