Fuzzy Logic modelling of non-catalytic, multi-step hydrogen reduction of molybdenum disulfide in the presence of lime

Abstract

Investigations have been carried out on the application of the Fuzzy Logic model to the “direct reduction” of molybdenum disulfide by hydrogen in the presence of lime, as an alternative method for producing molybdenum powder. The objective was to seek a predictor model via a well-defined relationship between the vital variables (bulk temperature, ratio of molar quantities of the solid reactants, pellet thickness, hydrogen concentration in the gaseous bulk, normalised weight loss of the pellet, sulfur fixation in the pellet, and time required for completion of reaction). Finally, the results predicted by the Fuzzy Logic model have been evaluated and validated using both a mathematical model and experimental data.