Numerical Simulation Study on the Preparation of Micro-Nanometer MgO Magnesium Oxide by Direct Pyrolysis of Molten MgCl2 Magnesium Chloride

Abstract

Micro-nanometer sized MgO products have unique properties and hence are widely used. In the process of preparing titanium sponge by Kroll method, a large number of by-products such as molten MgCl₂ is produced. In China, it is treated as a waste, as it wastes energy and causes pollution. In this study, a new process for the preparation of micro-nanometer sized MgO by the direct pyrolysis of molten MgCl₂ is proposed. Also, the followed pyrolysis process is numerically simulated. The results from this investigation show that the fluid flows very precisely and smoothly in orbits in the reactor, and the flow velocity of fluid was maximum at the mouth of the throat. Under the gravitational action, MgO was concentrated at the middle and lower parts of the reactor. A reaction temperature of 1473 K ensured both the highest yield and consuming a reasonable amount of energy. The standard velocity guaranteed the highest reaction efficiency while preventing the accumulation of product in the reactor.