We are excited to share a new paper from our partners TU Graz and ARP: “Development of a Numerically Inexpensive 3D CFD Model of Slag Reduction in a Submerged Arc Furnace for Phosphorus Recovery from Sewage Sludge”.
This work introduces a numerically efficient 3D CFD model of the Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF), allowing researchers to study slag behaviour, multiphase interactions, and energy flows under extreme operating conditions — where direct experiments are difficult. The model reduces simulation time by up to 300%, providing a robust basis for future process optimization and coupling with gas-phase reactions.
Key insights:
- Effective slag mixing, enhanced by gas bubbles
- Uniform temperature control within ±2 K
- Flow behaviour strongly influenced by slag viscosity
Many thanks to the authors from TU Graz and ARP for this important contribution to advancing phosphorus recovery technologies in the FlashPhos project!
Access the full paper here, and check out all other FlashPhos publications here.