A robust model of smoldering-driven pyrolysis reactor – Part 1: Thermal performance evaluation

This study numerically investigates a smoldering-driven pyrolysis reactor. The reactor consists of two chambers: the smoldering chamber for contaminated sand remediation and waste valorization. aims to develop numerical model verify feasibility evaluate its thermal performance. findings reveal that contaminant (char) in can be destroyed via process self-sustaining after ignition. It is noteworthy ignition requires external energy input. Smoldering produce heatwave with stable peak temperature propagation velocity. generated heat through boundary. results highlight reactor’s pivotal operating characteristics (peak temperature, time, reaction duration) regulated by critical parameters (char concentration, air inlet velocity, oxygen concentration).